EXTREME rainfall events followed by flash-floods and massive water-logging have blatantly exposed the faulty designing of road infrastructure in the city. Emerging as potential deathtraps are the underpasses in various parts of the city which are filled with water even during moderate rains posing danger to commuters. Against this scary backdrop, questions are being raised by citizens on the utility of the proposed 870-meter-long tunnel from Manas Square to the Institute of Science Square.

 

 

The project is coming at a hefty price of Rs 80 crore. However, there are growing concerns about the project becoming another zone for water-logging rather than a solution to ease traffic. Historically, the city’s underpasses have struggled with severe water-logging during the rainy season. The Manish Nagar underpass, constructed a few years ago, has been a notable example as it often fills with rainwater to alarming levels of four to five feet. Last year, a school bus was stranded and the underpass was closed for traffic movement. Similarly, the Narendra Nagar Railway under Bridge suffers from persistent water-logging which leads to major traffic disruptions.

 

Despite numerous complaints over the years, the authorities have yet to address the issue effectively. Similar projects in other parts of the city, too, are prone to water-logging. Keeping the concerns in perspective, architect Sujit Rodge has voiced strong objections to the new tunnel project in Sitabuldi. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Rodge argued that the project was being pursued without sufficient analytical study. He claimed that Manas Square currently did not face major traffic congestion due to effective road construction and traffic management. He has suggested improving existing traffic management as a viable solution than constructing a new tunnel. “If the tunnel becomes another site for water-logging, then it could severely impact traffic at crucial intersections such as RBI Square, Zero Mile, Morris College T-point, and Tekdi Road, thereby disrupting connectivity to the railway station during rainy season,” Rodge has warned. Another project that has already raised fears of an impending danger is the underpass atWardhaman Nagar, near Prajapati Nagar metro station.

 

The underpass is designed to help people go towards Chandra Nagar. However, the flooding it has witnessed in the recent rains (see accompanied picture) again puts a questionmark over the safety of the project, especially during rainy season. Criticising Nagpur’s approach to infrastructure projects and poorly planned construction that contributes to water-logging issues, Rodge advocated for a thorough feasibility study conducted by traffic engineering experts rather than relying on political decisions. “Such a study should evaluate traffic volume and patterns to determine the actual necessity of the tunnel or any other upcoming over-bridges,” the architect said. Architect Sunil Degwekar echoed the same concerns and argued that the project should not rely solely on administrative approval. Degwekar underlined the need for a comprehensive three-phase study, which would include technical, practical, and public consent aspects before proceeding.

 

He noted that Nagpur’s architectural, engineering, and business communities should be consulted to assess the project’s feasibility comprehensively. “Without a prior analysis of water flow and traffic patterns, the project could result in wasted public funds and aggravate existing traffic and water-logging problems,” he warned. Architect Paramjeetsingh Ahuja, although not yet familiar with the detailed project report, underlined the importance of conducting a waterflow study to prevent potential water-logging issues. Ahuja suggested that the project report, including design drawings, should be made publicly available for review and feedback. He proposed involving high-profile citizens and field experts to scrutinise the project to ensure its success and avoid further complications. The architects stressed the need for a meticulous examination of both water management and traffic patterns before moving ahead with the such projects. Nagpur’s infrastructure projects may be prone to inadequate planning which may potentially lead to further disruptions rather than resolving existing issues, the underlined.