Nagpur: In a bid to prevent further traffic chaos near Ajni bridge, DCP (traffic) Lohit Matani proposed the construction of a small temporary connecting road before the commencement of the underpass project. The suggestion came after severe congestion was witnessed in the area on Thursday, following partial road closures and diversions.Matani, along with officials of public works dept (PWD), visited the proposed underpass site on Friday to assess the situation and identify immediate solutions. During the inspection, Matani recommended constructing a temporary road linking the divider cutting on Kriplani stretch with the newly built bypass that is currently being used by motorists.
Matani told TOI that he visited the site along with PWD officials. “I asked the officials not to start underpass work until the new temporary road is built. This road will allow motorists coming from Ajni bridge or FCI, wanting to go towards Congress Nagar, to reach the newly constructed bypass rather than going all the way to Kriplani square,” he said.Following the visit, authorities opened a divider cutting on Kriplani stretch and temporarily allowed vehicles to use the barricaded road, since groundwork was halted for now. However, officials clarified that to begin actual underpass construction, movement on barricaded stretch will eventually have to be stopped.PWD officials confirmed that the proposal is under active consideration. Speaking to TOI, PWD engineer Prashant Shankarpure said that Matani suggested a temporary road connecting the newly built road, which is being used as a bypass towards Congress Nagar. “We will cut the median to build this road. However, it will connect the bypass, so we will have to take extra precaution, as it can also lead to accidents. We are taking every small note into account before taking any decision, as it is a critical project,” said Shankarpure.The proposed temporary link road is expected to provide major relief to commuters by reducing the need for a long detour up to Kriplani Square. At present, motorists travelling from Ajni bridge or FCI towards Congress Nagar are using the barricaded road, which needs to be closed for underpass construction.
