In a move aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety on one of Nagpur’s busiest traffic corridors, the Public Works Department (PWD) has finalised plans for its first-ever pair of foot-overbridges (FoBs) on the Inner Ring Road. The initiative is expected to curb unsafe surface crossings and offer a safer alternative for thousands of daily commuters.
PWD officials have identified two high-footfall locations for the project — near Palloti High School on Gorewada Road and at Martin Nagar in Jaripatka. Both stretches are lined with educational institutions and a church, making them busy pedestrian zones, said Krusha Gharde, Executive Engineer, PWD, World Bank Division, Nagpur Region.
Each FoB will have a standard width of 2.5 metres and a length of 36 metres. Officials believe these structures will significantly reduce the risk of accidents by discouraging pedestrians from crossing the fast-moving 4-lane traffic on the Ring Road. While acknowledging that residents may take some time to adapt, Gharde said the convenience and safety offered by the FoBs would eventually encourage widespread usage.
At Martin Nagar, the footfall is particularly high as devotees frequently visit the church located on both sides of the road. Authorities from Palloti School and the Church had approached the PWD, expressing concerns over unsafe crossings and requesting the construction of FoBs. Following these representations, PWD studied the citizens’ letters, conducted a detailed survey, and assessed the project’s feasibility.
Gorewada Road, which hosts Palloti High School, experiences heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the day. With rising vehicle speeds on the Inner Ring Road and increasing traffic volume due to growing urbanisation and four-wheeler usage, crossing the stretch has become increasingly risky for pedestrians.
After a detailed survey, PWD zeroed in on the two identified locations as the most critical spots needing immediate intervention. The tendering process for the FoBs is currently in its final stages. According to Gharde, once the contract is awarded, the contractor will need time to mobilise manpower, machinery, and materials. A 12-month completion period has been stipulated in the tender for both foot-overbridges.
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