Nagpur: The Shahid Gowari Flyover, situated opposite Dhiran Kanya Vidyalaya in Sitabuldi, Nagpur, is currently facing a critical safety concern. A significant portion of the parapet wall has developed massive cracks and is dangerously hanging over the road below. This poses a deadly threat to the lives of unsuspecting commuters passing through the area.
It is worth noting that the construction work of the bridge had previously suffered structural damage during flash floods last year. This damage reportedly affected the section of the Shahid Gowari flyover near Dhiran Kanya School on Wardha Road. Despite these prior incidents, appropriate safety measures seem to be lacking, leaving the current situation dire.
The dangling portion of the parapet wall is situated over the road stretch from Panchsheel Square to Jhansi Rani Square, which was recently reopened for traffic. The precarious state of the infrastructure raises concerns about the potential for a tragic accident if immediate action is not taken.
Authorities should conduct a thorough inspection of the affected area to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate course of action. Temporary safety measures, such as cordoning off the area and installing warning signs, should be implemented immediately to prevent any accidents.
The safety of commuters should be the top priority, and swift action is necessary to address the hazardous situation at the Shahid Gowari Flyover in Sitabuldi, Nagpur. It is imperative that the authorities take immediate steps to assess the damage, implement safety measures, and undertake necessary repairs to ensure the well-being of all road users. Failure to act promptly could result in dire consequences, and it is crucial to avoid any further delays in addressing this pressing issue.
The National Highway (NH) division of the State Public Works Department (PWD) had executed the bridge work. On Friday, the other side of the road between Jhansi Rani Square and Panchsheel Square will be reopened for traffic.
The bridge had caved in following the flash floods on September 23 last year. NH division of PWD constructed the bridge anew, for which both sides of the Wardha Road from Jhansi Rani Square to Panchsheel Square were closed for traffic. The deadline for the work had been extended more than once leading to cost escalation from Rs 6 crore to Rs 7.50 crore. Also, motorists had to bear with traffic diversions for months due to the road closure.
