In a major step to end the recurring issue of road digging by multiple utility agencies, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has announced the rollout of a ₹125-crore Urban Street Network (USN) project. The initiative aims to integrate water, sewage, electricity, storm drains, and optical fiber cables (OFC) into a single underground system while giving city footpaths a complete facelift.
Under the project, footpaths will be redesigned as dedicated pedestrian spaces featuring benches, greenery, and diffused lighting, making them more vibrant and user-friendly. NMC officials said the plan is to ensure obstruction-free walkways where residents can relax and spend quality time amidst the city’s fast-paced lifestyle.
The first phase of the project will cover North Ambazari Road, stretching from Ambazari T-Point to Jhansi Rani Square, revealed Alpana Patne, Executive Engineer, Project-I, NMC. Subsequent phases will develop adjoining stretches including Gandhi Nagar to VNIT Gate, Shankar Nagar to Ram Nagar, Bajaj Nagar Square, and Alankar Square to Kachipura.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhari has directed that footpaths remain free of encroachments and be equipped with modern amenities. Key intersections will also be enhanced with aesthetic stonework, landscaped plants, and green covers to uplift the urban landscape.
As part of the underground integration, inspection chambers will be installed every 15–20 meters to enable easy repairs and cable management, thus preventing repeated large-scale digging. Each chamber will be color-coded for different utility agencies to streamline maintenance operations.
For the first time, MSEDCL will collaborate with NMC to shift overhead electricity lines and transformer boxes underground, reducing future operational hurdles. The corporation is also in the process of appointing a Project Management Consultant (PMC) to conduct detailed surveys of the identified stretches before expansion.
In the second phase, roads in Civil Lines will be taken up, while Central Avenue, one of Nagpur’s busiest stretches, is planned for development in the later stages. CCTV cameras will also be installed along footpaths to ensure safety and better surveillance, further enhancing the pedestrian experience.
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