Nagpur: Seeking to accelerate Nagpur’s next phase of urban transformation, Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday directed officials to fast-track major infrastructure projects, modern commercial hubs, stadium redevelopment and transport facilities across the city. Stressing timely execution, he asked officials to resolve all pending issues with the Centre and the State Government and complete projects within fixed deadlines.Chairing a high-level review meeting at his Mahal residence, Gadkari assessed the progress of ongoing and proposed projects involving the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) , Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) , MahaMetro, MHADA, NHAI, MSIDC, the district administration and other agencies.A major focus of the meeting was the construction of modern commercial complexes that are expected to upgrade the city’s traditional markets while generating additional revenue for the civic body. Proposed projects include redevelopment of Cotton Market, Santra Market, Netaji Market, hospital premises at Dharampeth, Itwari Market, Dahi Bazaar, Kamal Talkies Chowk Market, Shukrawari and Budhwar bazaars at Sakkardara.The Union minister also reviewed plans to redevelop several public spaces and transport hubs. He directed officials to prepare a detailed design for redevelopment of the Ganeshpeth Bus Stand, including the land occupied by Shetkari Bhavan, Shikshak Bhavan and the Fire Brigade Centre. Redevelopment of Mor Bhavan and Ganeshpeth bus stations also figured prominently during the meeting.Sports infrastructure received significant attention, with discussions on upgrading Yashwant Stadium and developing Chitnis Park with facilities for indigenous sports and improved parking. Gadkari also instructed that a sports complex be developed at the Sakhare Guruji School site in Ganeshpeth while retaining the existing school.On urban planning, Gadkari directed NMC and NIT to undertake comprehensive mapping of all civic land before launching anti-encroachment drives. He said rehabilitation of eligible residents should be planned alongside eviction measures wherever required.The meeting also reviewed plans for a modern textile market on MHADA land along Subhash Road. Gadkari suggested creating a diversified commercial destination that would help ease congestion at Gandhibagh and attract shoppers from outside the city.Among other projects discussed were development of a food park at the proposed Pardi Market, construction of a footbridge linking Manish Nagar with Hotel Pride Metro Station, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial and lakefront beautification at Sakkardara, protection works in the Sai area of Wathoda, and housing projects for police personnel at Juna Subhedar and Raghuji Nagar.Earlier, Gadkari reviewed the status of major ongoing transport infrastructure projects, including the Mominpura railway overbridge , Ajni Railway Station RoB, Hasanbagh-Nirmal Nagari flyover and the Jagnade Chowk flyover. Officials of MahaMetro and other implementing agencies briefed him on construction progress and timelines.Mayor Neeta Thakre, MPs, MLAs, municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, district collector Kumar Ashirwad and senior officials from NMC, NIT, MahaMetro, MHADA, NHAI and other departments attended the review meeting.
