Nagpur: Months after accidents that claimed lives of a bike taxi rider and an elderly woman in February this year, Radhemangalam Hall Square, located on the Inner Ring Road, is set to get a permanent traffic signal. The move comes after outrage by local residents and intervention by the local corporator. The junction, located between Padole Square and Pratap Nagar Square, is known for its chaotic traffic movement and frequent overspeeding by motorists.On February 7, a speeding bike taxi rider collided with a moped that was crossing the square. The impact threw all three riders onto the road. Moments later, a speeding SUV approaching from Padole Square allegedly ran over the bike taxi passenger killing him on the spot before fleeing. Days later, on February 21, an allegedly speeding car lost control and ran over 61-year-old Bhagyashree Kathiwan, who succumbed to her injuries.Following public protests after the two deaths, the traffic police had installed a temporary solar-powered signal. However, it stopped functioning within a week and was later removed, drawing criticism from residents. Barricades were subsequently placed at the junction, but locals alleged they were deployed inconsistently and failed to regulate traffic effectively.Ward 37 corporator Nidhi Telgote conducted a site inspection recently and discussed long-term safety measures with DCP (Traffic) Aditya Mirkhelkar and Traffic PI Pravin Pande, stressing the need for permanent signal instead of temporary arrangements. Speaking to TOI, Telgote said that residents, including Aniruddha Jodh and Ketki Fadnavis, among others, had repeatedly approached her about the increasing number of accidents at the junction. “Citizens approached me and raised concerns about frequent accidents. We inspected the area together and discussed various ways to improve safety. Traffic barricades have already been installed, and police personnel have been deployed. A permanent traffic signal and rumble strips will also be added shortly,” she said.DCP (Traffic) Aditya Mirkhelkar confirmed that the proposal for a permanent signal has already been initiated. “We visited the spot yesterday and have temporarily installed barricades. I spoke with the corporator again, and we have sent the requisition for a permanent traffic signal. It should be installed within the next 45 days,” he told TOI.
