Lack of concrete plan delaying Pratap Nagar, Sneh Nagar cement road works, say residents

Nagpur: Residents of Sneh Nagar and Pratap Nagar areas along the Inner Ring Road say the ongoing and slow-moving cement road works in their neighbourhood has left them frustrated. As per the residents, the work has been delayed for the last few months, and several accidents have occurred due to loose material lying along the roads. Even after several complaints the issue has not been resolved, they said.
Residents and local vendors TOI spoke to in the affected areas voiced their concerns regarding the road works. In Sneh Nagar, a cement road is being constructed from adjacent to a petrol pump along the ring road near Chhatrapati Square. A fruit vendor who operates in Sneh Nagar said, "I had to move my stall across the road because of the construction, and it's been three months but the work is still incomplete."
The vendor pointed out that loose material lying on the road is causing cars and two-wheelers to skid resulting into frequent accidents with some people also suffering fractures. The unfinished side-walk, which is lower than the surface level of the new road, adds to the danger, increasing the risk of vehicles getting stuck or tipping over, he said.
Another resident, who identified himself as Rajesh, stated that on some days, the workers at the road construction site don't even show up. "It's been over two months, and the road is still incomplete," he said.
Alleging poor planning, he claimed that the internal roads are often barricaded without prior notice, forcing drivers to change routes multiple times just to reach the Ring Road. Another resident noted that parking is a challenge, and temporary road fixes with loose asphalt on the road only heighten the risk of accidents.
Pratap Nagar residents are facing similar struggles. A local resident said construction of the main road from Pratap Nagar Square to Orange City Street started in late July but it is far from complete. "One side of the road has been closed, and all the traffic is moving on another side only, causing chaos. Connecting roads are also being dug up and temporarily patched with loose pavement blocks, creating additional hazards," she said.
Shop owner Manoj Jaisinghani said, "We witness daily accidents because of the narrow roads and loose debris. Dust is a major issue, and driving at night is especially dangerous."
While both areas are dealing with unfinished road works, unexpected route closures and delays, rains worsen the situation in Pratap Nagar in particular where the roads become slippery after every shower. The delays, lack of proper planning, and insufficient safety measures have left us anxious, said residents of both Sneh Nagar and Pratap Nagar.
NMC's chief engineer Leena Upadhyay told TOI, "We are aware of the inconvenience caused to the residents, however the deadline for the road works is of two years. The works have been delayed as new water pipeline is to be laid along the roads but the contractors concerned hasn't finished the work yet. Yet, we are targeting to complete the road works by December end."