Frequent malfunctions and shutdowns of traffic signals at major city intersections have led to severe congestion and delays, leaving commuters frustrated and raising safety concerns. Despite the mounting problem, both the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Traffic Police have been accused of inaction, with citizens left to navigate through chaotic traffic on their own.
Key intersections, including Sakkardara Square, Katol Naka Square, Manewada Square, Panchsheel Square, Raja-Rani Square, Somalwada Square, Dharampeth Square, and Pratap Nagar Square, have been heavily affected by signal failures. The lack of functioning signals has resulted in slow-moving traffic, frequent near-misses, and a heightened risk of accidents. Ongoing construction work across the city has further exacerbated the problem, forcing commuters to take longer routes or squeeze through narrowed paths.
Construction Work Cited as a Key Issue
Sources in the Traffic Police attribute the recurring failures to ongoing construction projects. A particularly problematic stretch includes Ashok Square, Reshimbagh Square, and Sakkardara Square, where signals frequently malfunction. Morning rush hours see vehicles trapped in gridlocks, with little to no traffic management to alleviate the situation.
Blame Game Between NMC and Traffic Police
The NMC, responsible for maintaining and repairing traffic signals, and the Traffic Police, tasked with managing intersections during outages, have faced criticism for their lack of coordination.
A senior police official, speaking anonymously, pointed fingers at the NMC for failing to maintain the signals despite repeated complaints. “There has been no substantial effort to repair or replace faulty systems,” the official said. Meanwhile, a retired police official criticized the Traffic Police for not adequately manning intersections when signals are non-functional, leaving drivers to fend for themselves amidst the chaos.
Citizens Left in Limbo
With no resolution in sight, commuters continue to endure long delays, unsafe conditions, and growing frustration. The lack of accountability and cooperation between the NMC and the Traffic Police has turned Nagpur’s traffic management into a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.