Dugged up 3 yrs ago, NMC forgetsto level road near Santra Market

 

 

 

 

‘Confusion hi confusion hai, solution kuch pata nahi,’ seems to be the current state of affairs in the Second Capital of Maharashtra as a stretch of road opposite Santra Market gate of Nagpur Railway Station remains dug up for nearly three years. There is no visible signs of repairs on the said road stretch from Cotton Market that heads towards Nagpur Railway Station. Locals say, the neglected patch has turned into a hotspot for garbage dumping and causes severe public inconvenience.

 

 

 

 

Heaps of waste are allegedly dumped on the site regularly, sometimes forming mountains of garbage, according to a nearby vendor. Butchers discard chicken and fish waste, bones and remains on the same stretch, intensifying the stench and raising concerns about hygiene and potential health hazards. Vendors from nearby market also dump rotten or leftover fruits, which attracts large numbers of cattle and dogs to the area. Because of this, both cattle and dogs frequently occupy the already narrow road. Cattle, in particular, often sit or stand in the middle of the lane, further obstructing traffic and creating additional safety risks. Commuters say, this not only worsens congestion but also poses danger of accidents, as vehicles swerve or slow down abruptly to avoid harming the animals. A visit by The Hitavada to the spot revealed that the dup up road leaves only a single usable lane for the heavy flow of vehicles and pedestrians heading to the railway station.

 

Given the location’s constant footfall and traffic due to it being right beside a busy railway station platform, those interviewed described commuting through the stretch as extremely stressful, chaotic, and risky. When contacted, officials at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) said, the issue comes under the jurisdiction of Nagpur Metro. However, a metro official clarified that the Nagpur Metro has nothing to do with the road, stating that their construction work in the area was completed in 2022. The official added that some other agency was responsible for the dug up patch and whatever work was being carried out there. With the authorities distancing themselves from responsibility, the area has effectively become a no-man’s land. Meanwhile, commuters continue to navigate through filth, animals, garbage, and dangerous congestion with no authority stepping in to address the problem. 

 

 

 Adding to the list of hazards, several homeless families have taken shelter on the divider under the metro station, and their children often play on the roads. With vehicles moving through an already crowded, chaotic road, sudden breaking or swerving to avoid the children could lead to injuries or loss of balance for road users, and moreover also endanger the children. The road abuts platform no. 8 of Railway Station where Nagpur-bound trains terminate. This means there is constant heavy movement of travellers who face numerous difficulties in moving in or out of the station circulating area.