Citizens at risk as contractor dismantlescrane near Pachpaoli railway crossing | Nagpur News

Nagpur: The contractor working on ₹998-crore Indora-Dighori flyover project of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) allegedly put citizens’ lives at risk on Monday while dismantling a crane near Pachpaoli railway crossing. Workers were seen lifting heavy counterweights from the crane without clearing the surrounding area, even as pedestrians and commuters continued to move beneath the hanging structure.Eyewitnesses said the crane was dismantled in the open area close to the railway crossing while traffic and pedestrian movement continued normally. The heavy counterweights were lifted into the air using machinery, but no barricading or safety cordon was placed around the site. Citizens were seen walking directly below the suspended load, exposing them to the risk of a serious accident.

A video of the incident was shared by TOI with officials of the National Highways Authority of India, following which the authorities immediately contacted the contractor and instructed them to take necessary safety precautions while carrying out the dismantling work. Officials acknowledged that such operations require strict safety protocols and that areas below heavy lifting operations should be properly barricaded to prevent public access.The dismantling activity was undertaken as part of preparations ahead of the upcoming Holi festival. According to NHAI sources, contractors were instructed to remove heavy construction machinery from the project sites during the festival period to ensure safety and avoid disruption.“Because of Holi celebrations, all heavy machinery is being removed from construction sites. By evening, most of the machines were shifted and risky locations were being barricaded,” said an NHAI source. The official added that strong barricades will also be installed at various entry points of the flyover for the next three days as an additional safety measure.The ₹998-crore Indora-Dighori road project includes two major flyovers — one from Kamal Chowk to Reshimbagh Square and another from Bhande Plot to Dighori. The project is aimed at easing traffic congestion in east Nagpur and improving connectivity between several densely populated areas.During the construction of the Kamal Chowk–Reshimbagh flyover, the old Pachpaoli flyover was demolished and rebuilt. However, work over two railway crossings in the area is still pending. According to officials, most of the flyover structure is nearly complete, except for the railway over bridge (ROB) section near the Pachpaoli railway crossing.NHAI officials said they are targeting opening both flyovers by the end of April, though the timeline for the Kamal Chowk-Reshimbagh flyover will depend on the completion of the ROB near Pachpaoli.Meanwhile, commuters continue to face severe traffic congestion at the two railway crossings in the area. Motorists often remain stuck for up to 30 minutes during peak periods. The situation worsens when the traffic spillover extends up to Motibagh railway underpass, where another flyover project is currently under construction, further slowing vehicular movement.