NMC plans cycling track, footpath with seating arenas on Central Bazaar Rd

Nagpur: In an era of road widening to accommodate vehicles, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) plans to reduce area of road for traffic, and dedicate more area for cycling, walking, seating and recreation. Inspired from models in Barcelona and Pune, part of Central Bazaar (CB) Road from VNIT Square to Kachipura Square will be converted into ‘Walkable Street’ within a year.
As part of the project, VNIT Square, Bajaj Nagar Square, and Kachipura Square will be redeveloped and brought at the same level as the cement concrete roads at these squares.
Municipal commissioner Radhakrishnan B told TOI, “I visited Barcelona for Future Cities conference, and came to know that roads have been reduced from four-lane to two-lane for vehicles, with remaining lanes reserved for cycling and walking. Similar model was difficult to replicate in our country due to high population and large number of vehicles. But I also visited Jangli Maharaj Road, Pune, which was developed under Smart City Mission. I along with architects and NMC’s urban design cell came up with ‘Walkable Street’ project. Private contractor has been appointed and works have already started. I hope more people will use this road so we can replicate the model on other roads. It’s a win-win situation for all.”
Radhakrishnan, superintending engineers Manoj Talewar and Sonali Chauhan, executive engineer Sunil Uikey, senior urban designer Harshal Bopardikar and others have shaped the project over 1.2km.
“Three squares on this stretch remained undeveloped when roads were concretized. These squares will be developed for traffic as well as cycling and pedestrians. Project fulfils all requirements of urban city. Any concept cannot be successful without public participation, which we expect from citizens,” Talewar said.
NMC has started with redevelopment of storm water drain network. Entire pilot project cost is Rs19 crore, and the plan will be continued up to Lokmat Square subject to success of the concept.
Welcoming the project, social activist Rohit Deshpande said, “This can be successful on this stretch as traffic is less and road is wide. NMC should take citizens, hawkers and others into confidence and execute the project,” he said.
Bopardikar said view of agriculture farm of PDKV from footpath and seating arenas will be a highlight of the project. “This road is blessed to have sprawling agriculture farm, which will be made visible from the road. We requested PDKV to contribute to this project with some space, reconstruction of compound wall etc. Major portion of streets are meant for citizens and not encroachers. Project takes care of all needs of citizens, and proper utilization of each and every inch of the road. It will also reduce mishaps as people will use footpath for walking, get arenas for sitting and talking. Bollards will be erected along greenery and cycling tracks to prevent parking and running of vehicles into these arenas. Parking for two-wheelers will be perpendicular, and parallel for four-wheelers, only on one side of the road,” he said.
Deshpande added this concept can be replicated on other roads with less traffic and 24-30 meter width. “We are witnessing consistent rise in vehicles and less response to urban transport. Therefore, it is very difficult on major roads and stretches of highways within city limits,” he said.