Traffic Toll: Nagpur’s ₹998-Crore Lifeline Held Up by Safety Audits

Despite being virtually complete, the Bhande Plot–Dighori flyover in Nagpur remains closed to traffic, continuing to leave thousands of commuters stuck in heavy congestion on the busy road below.

The delay comes even after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had earlier indicated that the flyover would be opened by the end of April — nearly two months ahead of the official June 30 completion deadline for the ₹998-crore Indora–Dighori elevated corridor project.

NHAI officials have now attributed the delay to a pending safety audit. However, commuters and local residents have questioned why the structurally completed flyover, which has already undergone load testing, cannot be partially opened to reduce traffic pressure on the congested Umred Road stretch.

The Bhande Plot–Dighori section forms a crucial part of the larger Indora–Dighori elevated corridor, considered one of Nagpur’s most significant and technically challenging urban infrastructure projects. The corridor passes through densely populated areas and includes two major flyovers — Kamal Chowk to Reshimbagh Square and Bhande Plot to Dighori — while also integrating the existing Sakkardara flyover.

With the flyover still shut, traffic congestion on Umred Road continues to worsen, affecting daily commuters travelling through one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Sources said some remaining ramp-related work could take another 15 days, although officials indicated the opening may be delayed further. NHAI project director Abhijeet Jichkar said expert safety audits are still pending and may require another one-and-a-half months to complete.

Ironically, the flyover has already undergone successful load testing on its two key spans measuring 90 metres and 60 metres, indicating that the structure is technically ready. Despite mounting public frustration and increasing traffic congestion below, authorities have yet to operationalise the completed portions of the corridor.

The 2.2-km flyover begins at Bhande Plot Square, where the existing Sakkardara flyover descends, and extends beyond Dighori Naka on Umred Road. Once opened, the elevated corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic flow across one of Nagpur’s most congested urban routes.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.