Nagpur: A dedicated stormwater drainage network along the railway corridor, rather than merely enhancing pumping capacity at Narendra Nagar railway underbridge (RUB), could provide a lasting solution to one of Nagpur’s chronic flooding hotspots, the Public Works Department (PWD) has told the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court.In an affidavit filed before the court, PWD said it had sought permission from the Railways to install protective grating on the approach road leading to the railway yard and godown near the RUB. The proposed measure would intercept runoff before it reaches the underpass and divert it into a suitable drainage system.The proposal has gained significance after the July 28 deluge exposed the limitations of the Rs9-crore flood mitigation system installed at the RUB. The system comprises a 500-cubic-metre sump and automated 40HP pumps designed to drain water from the underpass.The pumping arrangement had earlier shown promising results, with officials claiming the RUB remained flood-free during nearly 70mm of rainfall — reportedly the first such instance in more than four decades. Four automated pumps were installed, three operational and one on standby.However, the system was overwhelmed when heavy runoff from the railway-side catchment, including the CONCOR container depot and the elevated Chhatrapati Nagar side, rushed towards the low-lying RUB.PWD said a dedicated stormwater network running parallel to the railway corridor could collect and divert this runoff before it reaches the underpass. The proposed grating would trap water flowing downhill from the railway yard, godowns and adjoining approach roads. Railway approval for the work is still awaited.The affidavit also highlighted the Narendra Nagar nullah, a critical part of the area’s drainage system. Earlier studies found the nullah heavily silted and estimated its catchment at around 366 hectares. During intense rainfall, the nullah overflows onto adjoining roads, worsening flooding in the area.Taking note of the submission, Additional Government Pleader S M Ukey asked the court to implead the Ministry of Railways through the Divisional Railway Manager, Nagpur, as a respondent in the ongoing PIL on urban flooding.NARENDRA NAGAR RUB: WHAT IS BEING PLANNED PROBLEM: Stormwater from the CONCOR/railway-side area along the Delhi-Chennai railway track gushes towards the Narendra Nagar RUB during intense rain. The Narendra Nagar nullah and surrounding drainage network also add to the flood load.PWD’S PROPOSAL Protective grating on the railway approach road leading to the railway yard/godown. Purpose: intercept runoff before it reaches the RUB. Railway permission is still awaited. LONG-TERM PLAN Develop a dedicated stormwater network along the railway corridor to collect and divert runoff from the railway/CONCOR side. EXISTING PUMPING SYSTEM Project cost: Rs 9 crore 4 automated 40HP pumps 500-cubic-metre sump Three pumps operational + one standby. System was overwhelmed during July 28 deluge.
