Commuters who travel across the Dhantoli bridge daily received some relief as the Nagpur Division of Central Railway has halted restoration work on the 100-year-old structure near Mokshadam. This pause came after the traffic police department temporarily withdrew its permission. One of the spans of the Ghat Road bridge (835/1) heading towards Mokshadham Square was initially closed from August 22 to September 30.
However, due to the high volume of vehicles and significant traffic congestion, the traffic police withdrew their permission within 24 hours.
The over 100-year-old stone masonry arch bridge features five spans, each measuring 9.14 meters. Strengthening work on the three spans that function as a waterway over the Nag River has been completed. The remaining two spans, which serve as roadways, are now the focus of ongoing restoration efforts.
This essential work was prompted by scheduled inspections and compliance reports highlighting the need for urgent repairs. Restoration on one of the spans began on August 22, with the railway contractor dug a portion of the road beneath the bridge, turning it into a large trench. However, the project has now been halted following the traffic police’s withdrawal of permission.
According to local media report, the partial road closure over the past four days has led to significant traffic congestion, as only a section of the road under the bridge was open to heavy vehicles, private cars, and state buses. On August 25, a mini truck became stuck in a trench beneath the bridge. On Tuesday, labourers were working to backfill the trench with a mixture of soil, rocks, and stones to reopen the road.
Site engineers indicated that this temporary restoration was necessary, as full-scale restoration work will resume once traffic disruptions are manageable. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Shashikant Satao explained, “Due to the chaos and ongoing road development at alternative sites, we had no choice but to withdraw permission for the traffic blockade.” He added that significant traffic jams were reported at Anand Talkies, Rahate Colony, and Ajni after the road was closed. With the Ganeshotsav festival approaching, traffic blocks will only be permitted next month. The bridge, crucial for east-west and north-south train traffic, requires comprehensive strengthening due to previous spalling concrete and joint issues.