Commuters in Nagpur’s Prabhag 18 area, especially near Gangabai Ghat, are in for a long detour. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has announced partial closure of the Hatti Nala bridge for major reconstruction, disrupting one of the key traffic routes in the city. As per orders issued by Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhari, vehicular traffic on the left side of the bridge will be completely shut down, and all traffic will now move from the right side until March 16, 2026.
This initiative is part of a major infrastructure upgrade by the NMC, aimed at replacing aging and flood-prone bridges across Nagpur. The Hatti Nala bridge is one of 35 structures slated for reconstruction under an 800-crore flood resilience and urban improvement project. The civic body’s focus is on enhancing traffic flow and preventing waterlogging during heavy rains by strengthening bridges over the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers.
The Gangabai Ghat locality, a high-traffic area connecting central and northern parts of Nagpur, is expected to face significant disruptions due to the bridge diversion. Commute times are likely to increase, especially during peak hours. Areas impacted by the diversion include Mahal, Itwari, Shankar Nagar, Subhash Nagar Square, Bajaj Nagar Square, and nearby commercial districts. With the left lane closed, all two-way traffic will now be directed through a single lane, raising concerns about congestion, bottlenecks, and delays.
To ease traffic flow and reduce confusion, the NMC has instructed the installation of diversion boards on both sides of the bridge. Traffic police will be deployed during peak hours to manage the redirected flow. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes, including LIC Square, Medical Chowk, and Central Avenue, whenever possible, to avoid the congestion-prone areas.
Assurance to citizens
Civic authorities have assured residents that the construction work will be completed within the set timeline and have urged citizens to remain patient. They have also appealed for public cooperation and compliance with road signs and diversions. The goal, according to officials, is to not only improve infrastructure but also enhance public safety and long-term traffic efficiency in this densely populated area.
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