Nagpur’s persistent traffic congestion and safety issues have prompted city police to tighten their stance on private bus operations. On Friday, the Traffic Department extended for another six months the restriction on pick-up and drop services of private buses within the Inner Ring Road. The move comes even as bus operators continue their legal fight, with a petition challenging the order pending before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court.
The restriction, originally imposed last month by DCP (Traffic) Lohit Matani, was introduced to ease bottlenecks caused by buses halting for long stretches at major junctions. Busy spots such as Ganeshpeth, Rahate Colony, and Chhatrapati Square had become gridlocked due to buses occupying narrow lanes. Police officials claim that since the enforcement of the order, traffic flow has shown noticeable improvement at these critical points.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from private bus associations, who argue it has disrupted passenger convenience and pushed up travel costs. Commuters too have expressed frustration, particularly those traveling short distances, as they are now forced to rely on overcrowded MSRTC services or seek alternative modes of transport.
Strict enforcement continues, with FIRs registered and action taken under the Motor Vehicles Act against violators. A month-long surveillance drive conducted between August 13 and September 12, 2025, revealed several breaches, including buses halting in “No Parking” zones and picking up passengers in busy areas like Central Avenue, Baidyanath Square, Vijay Talkies, Ravi Nagar, Geetanjali, Indora, Dighori, Sakkardara, Automotive Square, and others. Buses on arterial roads such as Amravati Road, Jabalpur Road, Chhindwara Road, Bhandara Road, and Umred Road were also found stopping abruptly, endangering other motorists.
With Nagpur’s population nearing 30 lakh and its vehicle count crossing 25 lakh—including over 20 lakh two-wheelers—traffic management remains a daunting task. Inadequate road width, ongoing infrastructure projects, and the absence of designated parking facilities for the city’s 1,600-plus private buses have only worsened congestion, pollution, and accident risks.
DCP Matani has urged operators to cooperate, stressing that the aim is not to inconvenience passengers but to ensure smoother traffic and public safety. “The intention is not to trouble commuters but to maintain order and reduce accidents. Compliance will ultimately benefit both citizens and the city,” he said.
As the city awaits the High Court’s verdict, Nagpur Police have made it clear that the restrictions will remain in place, asserting that commuter comfort cannot outweigh road safety.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com