Nagpur: With the India-New Zealand T20 International scheduled at Jamtha Stadium on January 21, concerns over traffic congestion on Wardha Road have once again come to the fore, as multiple infrastructure projects continue along the busy NH-44 corridor. The visiting teams are expected to arrive on January 19, while ticket sales will begin on January 17, raising expectations of a large turnout for the high-profile match.
Traffic snarls have long been a sore point during international fixtures in Nagpur, with thousands of spectators often spending hours stuck on roads after matches despite extensive arrangements by the traffic police and civic agencies. February last year marked the lone exception when fans managed a relatively smooth exit. This time, officials admit the challenge could be steeper due to simultaneous construction activities on Wardha Road.
One of the key choke points is the Rs 619-crore Chinchbhavan–MIHAN Interchange flyover project. Ongoing work has led the NH division of the Public Works Department (PWD) to erect barricades along the median, effectively narrowing the highway to a single lane in both directions. The stretch is critical, as it serves as the primary access route for spectators travelling from the city to Jamtha Stadium. Reduced carriageway width, coupled with heavy traffic volume and frequent wrong-side driving, has already triggered regular congestion.
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A senior PWD official, however, maintained that precautions are being taken to minimise inconvenience. “Barricading has been limited to a short stretch keeping the international match in mind. We have ensured smooth movement through service roads and kept obstructions to a minimum,” the official said.
Traffic problems are also anticipated for spectators approaching from Wardha, Chandrapur and nearby regions via Butibori, where MahaMetro’s ongoing work has further constricted the highway between Jamtha and Butibori. A senior traffic department official said diversion plans are being finalised to manage the rush. “We are providing an alternative route from the Outer Ring Road through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) cutting to Jamtha Stadium. Some inconvenience may be faced by fans coming from Wardha, but steps are being taken to prevent major congestion,” the official said, adding that a majority of spectators are expected from Nagpur city.
The traffic department has also appealed to cricket fans to use Metro services and public transport wherever possible. “Heavy vehicle movement from Butibori will be restricted on match day to ease traffic flow,” the official added.
