Ajni Railway Colony in Nagpur, home to over 10,000 residents, suffers from poor roads, inadequate sewage systems, and lack of stormwater drainage due to regulatory restrictions preventing civic development. Despite being part of the city, laws like the Railways Act, 1989, MRTP Act, 1966, and UDCPR 2020 prevent municipal authorities from carrying out infrastructure work on railway-owned land.
The Railways Act grants exclusive authority over railway land to Indian Railways, requiring Railway Board approval for any development. The MRTP Act mandates a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Railways before local authorities can undertake civic work, while the UDCPR 2020 restricts development on central government land without special approval.
As a result, Ajni’s 7 km road network remains unpaved, with severe waterlogging and sanitation issues, especially during monsoons. In contrast, neighboring areas under municipal jurisdiction, like Parvati Nagar, have proper cement roads and drainage systems.
NMC’s Executive Engineer Anil Gedam acknowledges the dire situation but cites legal constraints as the reason for inaction. Despite repeated complaints, both NMC and Railways remain unable to intervene.
As Nagpur rapidly develops, Ajni’s plight underscores how urban planning regulations, instead of aiding progress, have left thousands without essential amenities. Policymakers must re-evaluate these restrictions to ensure inclusive development.
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