Closed for decades, Old Airport Road reopens for traffic

Nagpur: Closed for decades for security reasons, the Old Airport road via Khamla has reopened for traffic a couple of days ago. It will come as a big relief for air passengers, VVIP movement and emergency services.
TOI was the first to report on March 11 about the plan to reopen the road. The Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd (MADC), MIHAN India Limited (MIL) and Airport Authority of India (AAI) have reportedly given clearance for reopening of the road.

Mahametro, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and traffic police made efforts to reopen the road citing regular blocks and congestion on Wardha road due to ongoing construction works of Metro Rail and flyover between Ajni square and Hotel Pride.

The 900-metre road was developed during British era for reaching the airport. After widening the Wardha road, it was shut for security reasons as it crossed taxiway to Nagpur Flying Club at one point.

MADC officials told TOI the road will remain open for traffic round the clock. “There are two gates on the road, one towards the airport and other towards Sahakar Nagar nullah. Security guards will be present at both gates,” they said.

The officials added facility to close and open the road at Nagpur Flying Club has been made. “Road will be closed for 10 minutes whenever planes of Nagpur Flying Club leave or return,” he said. Mahametro has widened the road from 3.50 to 5.50 metres and also asphalted it. The process to install streetlights is going on.

The convoy of Union minister Nitin Gadkari used the road a couple of days ago.

Earlier reports had suggested it will be used only for VVIP movement and emergency services. It is learnt the authorities decided to open the road for all as opening it only for VVIPs would have led to controversy.

Already, Mahametro has begun blocking one side of Wardha Road during night for Metro construction. The two way traffic is being permitted on other side of Wardha road. The citizens can turn from Hotel Pride to use Old Airport road and vice versa from Khamla road.

MADC officials said the road will not be closed down even when Metro Rail work is completed.

Corporator Prakash Bhoyar said people from South-West constituency will also benefit from the road. “Also, people travelling from Hotel Pride square to WHC road or towards Hingna and vice versa will get relief. The road should be widened and streetlights installed soon,” he said.