Nagpur’s already stretched road infrastructure is facing growing pressure — not from private vehicles, but from more than 800 private buses that run daily within city limits. A recent study by the Nagpur Traffic Police has raised concerns, warning that the city is inching towards gridlock, with unregulated private inter-state buses emerging as a major reason.
According to a media report, these buses, which connect Nagpur to Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, and cities like Pune, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli, are often seen blocking busy junctions. With no designated terminals, they halt along main roads and intersections to pick up or drop off passengers, adding to the city’s traffic chaos.
Choked Squares, Daily Chaos on Nagpur Streets
From Baidyanath Chowk and Cotton Market Square to Residency Road and Central Avenue, traffic snarls have become a daily ordeal, especially during peak hours. A traffic police study, led by DCP Archit Chandak and ACP Madhuri Baviskar, highlights major congestion hotspots including Geetanjali Square, Indora, Automotive Square, Bole Petrol Pump, Campus, Telephone Exchange, Sneha Nagar, Liberty Chowk, Manas Chowk, and Jagnade Chowk.
“These buses obstruct smooth traffic flow and increase the risk of accidents. They often halt in the middle of roads for long periods,” said a senior traffic officer.
Police Push for Action – Entry Ban on Private Buses Likely
With traffic congestion worsening, the Nagpur Traffic Police has submitted a detailed report to Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal. A key recommendation in the report is to completely ban the entry of private buses into city limits to ease pressure on roads.
“The proposal aims to decongest Nagpur’s roads and move these buses to terminals located on the outskirts,” a senior officer said. “We’re looking at all options – enforcement will be firm if approved.”
If implemented, the move would mark a significant shift in city transport policy. But it’s not without challenges.
Citizens Caught in the Middle
Commuters face daily traffic jams, but a complete ban on private buses could also cause trouble. Passengers might need to get off at stops outside city limits and find their own way to places like markets, offices, or hospitals, adding to their inconvenience.
“This will especially impact senior citizens, women with children, and patients coming for medical treatment,” noted a civic transport official. “It could also increase travel costs for many who rely on low-cost bus journeys.”
History Repeats?
This isn’t the first time such a proposal has been considered. Similar restrictions were suggested in the past but never enforced. However, police now say the situation has become critical and requires urgent action. With idling buses occupying over 10% of road space in some areas, enforcement may be the only solution. Without swift measures, commuters fear Nagpur’s roads could soon come to a standstill under the pressure of uncontrolled bus traffic.
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