As temperatures in Nagpur approach 39°C, commuters waiting at traffic signals across the city are being forced to endure intense summer heat. The delay in installing protective shade nets at major intersections has raised concerns among daily travelers.
Every year, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) installs green shade nets at busy traffic squares to provide relief from the harsh sun, particularly for two-wheeler riders.
The initiative has been widely appreciated in previous summers, as it offers some protection to commuters waiting at long signals.
However, despite the early arrival of high temperatures this year, the seasonal measure has not yet been implemented, leaving thousands of commuters exposed to the scorching sun during peak afternoon hours.
Sources from the NMC’s Public Health Department said that a proposal recommending the installation of shade nets has already been submitted to the Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner, and the matter is expected to be reviewed soon.
“A proposal has been forwarded and a review meeting is likely in the coming days. A decision on installing the shade nets will be taken after that,” a civic official said.
Meanwhile, commuters say the delay has made daily travel extremely uncomfortable.
A two-wheeler rider travelling towards Butibori described his journey as exhausting. “The heat was unbearable. I was drenched in sweat and had to stop several times just to drink water,” he said.
Another commuter recalled being stuck at a signal near Bole Petrol Pump Square. “I was there for barely five minutes, but even that felt suffocating in this heat,” she said.
Adding to the problem, commuters have also reported non-functional traffic signals at several junctions, which disrupt traffic movement and increase waiting time under the blazing sun.
Last year, when temperatures crossed 40°C, the Nagpur Traffic Police had temporarily switched off around 20 traffic signals during peak afternoon hours in April to reduce commuter discomfort.
So far this year, however, no such directive has been issued.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani said the department has not released any circular regarding signal shutdowns during hot afternoon hours.
“We have not issued any directive yet. However, we will examine the issue of non-functional signals. If temperatures rise further in the coming weeks, temporarily switching off some signals may be considered,” he said.
With summer only beginning to intensify, commuters are hoping civic authorities act quickly to install shade nets and repair malfunctioning signals before the daily wait at Nagpur’s traffic junctions becomes even more unbearable.
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