Road construction on Kasturchand Daga Road, in front of Hislop College, has been at a standstill for several weeks, causing hardship for commuters and nearby businesses. The bitumen layer was dug up to make way for a cement road, but the work has not progressed since. With the entire stretch diverted to a one-way route, motorists and pedestrians continue to struggle with severe traffic disruptions and inconvenience.
The stretch connecting Rajarani Square to Red Cross Road Square is lined with showrooms, boutiques, eateries, educational institutions, and offices. Shopkeepers and business owners say the prolonged delay in roadwork has hit accessibility, leading to a sharp drop in footfall and sales.
Many say the loss is not just financial but also reputational, as customers are increasingly avoiding the stretch due to traffic hassles. Sanjay Jog, chief executive officer of the Chitnavis Centre, told the media that his convention centre has been among the worst affected. “All the entrance and exit gates of our premises open onto the dug-up side of the road.”
Guests and customers find it extremely difficult to bring their vehicles in, as they must navigate the one-way diversion,” he said. The stretch also houses an aviation training institute, restaurants, bistros, and Hislop College, all of which are grappling with reduced accessibility. Students and working professionals alike complain that their daily commute has become stressful. “I have to wade through heavy traffic every day just to reach my institute,” said aviation trainee Pramila.
“The one-way diversion is perpetually choked, and there is hardly any space for smooth movement.” She added that two-wheelers somehow manage, but larger vehicles like SUVs and mini trucks face major hurdles while navigating the narrow route. “It becomes a herculean task when you’re stuck in a line of vehicles with no option to turn around.” Local restaurant owners also pointed out that evening business hours, which usually bring their peak customers, are now marked by snarls and chaos, forcing people to avoid the area altogether.
According to a media report in a local daily, it had earlier reported on the traffic troubles at this location, but with the civic work showing no development, the problems have only deepened. Citizens and business owners now demand that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation expedite the work and restore normalcy on this vital stretch at the earliest. Officials of PWD did not respond to TOI’s messages or calls by the time of filing of this report.
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