Despite repeated safety warnings and restrictions, Nagpur’s ageing flyovers continue to witness blatant traffic violations, with the 125-year-old Ajni Railway Over Bridge (ROB) emerging as the latest flashpoint. On Saturday, a truck rammed into a newly installed height barrier on the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) side of the bridge, triggering massive traffic congestion on one of the city’s key arterial routes.
The vehicle remained stuck at the barrier for a considerable period, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded during peak hours. Though the height barrier escaped damage, the incident highlighted the continued disregard by heavy vehicle operators for clearly notified movement restrictions.
Officials and sources pointed out that earlier height barriers on the same bridge had also been damaged in similar incidents, indicating a recurring pattern of violations and weak deterrence—mirroring frequent accidents reported on the Shaheed Gowari Flyover.
The situation is especially concerning as the British-era Ajni ROB has long surpassed its structural lifespan. Heavy vehicles are expressly prohibited from using the bridge due to safety concerns, yet trucks continue to access the structure, posing serious risks to both infrastructure and public safety. The bridge is a crucial connector between South and West Nagpur, making strict enforcement essential.
In a bid to prevent further damage, the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), also known as MahaRail, recently installed height barriers to physically restrict heavy vehicle movement. However, Saturday’s incident has raised questions over compliance and the effectiveness of enforcement measures.
Confirming the episode, Ajni traffic zone police inspector Suresh Vasekar said prompt action was taken to ease congestion. “The truck hit the height barrier and got stuck. Our team reached the spot, deflated the tyres to reduce the vehicle’s height and then removed it from the bridge. A fine of ₹4,000 was imposed on the driver,” he said.
Despite swift intervention, repeated violations underline a larger issue. Authorities warn that without stringent penalties and continuous monitoring, Nagpur’s ageing infrastructure will remain under threat, with commuters bearing the brunt of enforcement failures
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