NAGPUR: Driving through crowded Sadar will no longer be a tiresome exercise as National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is beautifying the Residency Road flyover. You will be able to gaze at sculptures and other art works while driving or shopping in the prime commercial district of the city. The project is a brainchild of Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari.
NHAI has awarded the job to city-based designer firm Hastankit. Deepti Deshpande of Hastankit said beautification work had already begun and would be completed in four months. The sculptures and artworks have been designed by her and Lalit Vikamshi. The work order was issued months ago but work could not start due to Covid.
Deshpande said the area under the flyover has been divided into five zones: urban green zone, portraits of Nagpur zone, shopping zone, educational zone and sports zone. The starting point was the ramp along Kasturchand Park.
The designer said, “Urban green zone provides a needed public space for corporates and other visitors of the entertainment sector. Portraits of Nagpur zone exhibits knowledge about Nagpur's remarkable personalities, illuminated in both English and Marathi.”
Following the portraits of Nagpur zone is the shopping zone beautifying the Residency Road. “As we move towards Raj Bhavan, the educational zone begins, serving colleges and schools in the vicinity. Hence, an aquatic park and birds park is proposed here, for children to enjoy exciting 3D visuals to learn from,” said Deshpande.
The Hastankit director further said that next was painted pillars with images of spacecrafts launched by India. “We pride Nagpur for its several facets, one of it being the ‘Tiger Capital of India’. We have designed sculptures and graphics increasing the awareness towards saving wildlife,” she added.
“Nagpur is famous as Orange city. So we are marking it with a sculptural monument of orange city. Moving towards the end of our bridge is the Mankapur indoor stadium. Hence this zone is named sports zone, where wonderful artworks have been proposed to inspire and make people aware of the importance of this sector and health,” she said.
“Part of the flyover above BTJ square is uniquely made up of Iron metal and not of concrete. To enhance the structure form, to creatively illuminate the busy square and to make it more fascinating to cross, the above stripes has been highlighted with vibrant colours,” she added.
“Last but not the least, we have a patent over this Nagpur word “Mahol”. A huge text sculpture saying Mahol will be installed,” said Deshpande.