Confluence of Stupidity: Traffic chaos at Powerhouse Sq turns relief into menace

 

 

 

What was once a smooth junction on the Inner Ring Road has now turned into a daily ordeal for thousands of commuters. The ongoing construction of the Mhalgi Nagar flyover has pushed Powerhouse Square, where the flyover lands, into complete disarray. The very project that was meant to ease congestion has, ironically, become the epicentre of traffic chaos, confusion, and mounting safety risks in South Nagpur. Launched in August 2024 along with the Manewada Square flyover, the Mhalgi Nagar project, costing Rs 73 crore, is being executed by the World Bank Unit of Maharashtra’s Public Works Department (PWD). Officials maintain that the flyover will address frequent traffic jams and accidents at the square. However, residents argue that the decision is poorly conceived, given the already wide stretch of roads and existing traffic signals.

 

 

 

“There was never a need for such a massive structure here. The roads were broad and manageable; only better signal management was needed,” said Rajesh Nair, a daily commuter from Narsala. Since construction began, the median near Powerhouse Square has been partially blocked, forcing vehicles from adjoining roads into confusing diversions. The median allowing turn towards Ashirwad Nagar has been closed, compelling motorists to take U-turns at Powerhouse Square and drive in the wrong direction. This diversion has led to near-daily minor accidents, with two-wheelers and school buses frequently caught in gridlock.

 

The problem increases during peak hours in morning and evening hours when crossing the square becomes almost impossible, taking almost 20 to 30 minutes just to cross an intersection. Residents fear that the problems will not end even after the flyover becomes operational. The landing point of the structure is positioned such that it cuts directly into a busy local road used by residents from Tajbag and Ashirvad Nagar. With no traffic signals and restricted visibility, experts warn of a high risk of collisions. “The vehicles will descend at speed, and anyone crossing the square will be at risk. It’s a design flaw that could prove dangerous,” observed Sunita Deshmukh, a resident of Mhalgi Nagar. “The landing of the flyover could have been positioned after the Powerhouse Square,” she added. Commuters also point out that construction has drastically narrowed the lanes leading to and from Mhalgi Nagar Square, leaving little space for safe passage. Dust, debris, and the absence of clear signages have worsened the situation. “It’s chaos at every turn. Minor accidents happen almost every day now.

 

The authorities need to rethink traffic movement before someone gets seriously hurt,” said Amit Patil, a motorist who uses the route daily. What is even more fascinating is the absence of any traffic regulating personnel at the intersection. The contractors at other similar places at least appoint some construction workers with flags to regulate traffic, but here, they too are missing. The necessity of construction of Mhalgi Nagar flyover has been questioned time and again by the citizens in the past, but authorities have continued with the project. As construction continues with no immediate relief in sight for the traffic congestion problem, Powerhouse Square stands as an example of poor urban planning. Instead of solving congestion, the Mhalgi Nagar flyover appears poised to compound it, turning an already strained intersection into a permanent traffic issue for South Nagpur.