#public_works_department

Taps Run Dry In Besa Housing Society For Past 7 Days Residents of the Besa Housing Society near Besa-Pipla Road in Nagpur have faced a severe water crisis for the past seven days, marking the fourth such disruption in just two months. The prolonged absence of water has left families struggling to cope with extreme summer temperatures that have soared to 44°C. Without access to municipal supply, households have resorted to hiring private water tankers, with nearly 37 to 38 tankers arranged within a week at a cost of Rs1,300 to Rs1,500 each. The financial burden has intensified residents’ distress, especially as they continue to pay regular taxes despite repeated failures in service delivery. Many households have implemented strict water rationing measures, cutting back on essential usage and adjusting daily routines to conserve resources. In some cases, families have crowded into single rooms to operate a single cooler for limited hours, aiming to reduce both water and electricity consumption. Residents attribute the recurring water shortages to ongoing road construction work in the area, which they claim has frequently damaged underground pipelines. The lack of proper pipeline blueprints has exacerbated the problem, leading to accidental breakages and prolonged disruptions. Dhananjay Bhoyar, a resident, highlighted the challenges, stating that pipeline damage in nearby areas often results in water supply being diverted, leaving their community without access for days. “We only realize the extent of the problem after making repeated calls. For the past week, we’ve had to arrange tankers ourselves. Despite urging everyone to conserve water, the situation has become extremely difficult.#nagpur #public_works_department #mukesh_kale #besa_housing_society #dhananjay_bhoyar

Encroachments Choke 49 Roads in Nagpur as Staff Shortage Hampers NMC Action Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has identified 49 critical road stretches where persistent encroachments continue to disrupt traffic and reduce pedestrian space despite ongoing eviction drives. The anti-encroachment wing of the NMC operates with only 150 personnel to monitor these high-priority areas, making continuous vigilance nearly impossible. During a high-level meeting at the police headquarters, Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal and Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar reviewed the situation under the framework of the ongoing ‘Mission 100 Day’ drive. Singal emphasized the need for stricter enforcement, directing officials to escalate night-time anti-encroachment operations with full police collaboration. The 48 affected locations include prominent areas such as Jhansi Rani Square, Sitabuldi market lanes, Variety Square, Futala Lake frontage, Hingna T-point to Chhatrapati Square, Indora Square to Jaripatka Square, and VNIT to Bajaj Nagar. Officials acknowledged that illegal vendors, temporary structures, and unauthorized setups often reoccupy cleared spaces within hours, highlighting the lack of sustained enforcement. The civic survey revealed that the issue is systemic, spanning eight major challenges such as road and footpath encroachments, illegal constructions, waste dumping, unauthorized sewer and water connections, and illegal hoardings. Coordination challenges further complicate enforcement efforts. The fragmented ownership of roads, with stretches under multiple agencies like the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Nagpur Improvement Trust, and NMC, has created gaps in inter-agency collaboration.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #public_works_department #ravinder_kumar_singal #mission_100_day

Encroachments choke 49 roads, staff shortage hits NMC action, drives planned in night with police support The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has identified 49 critical road segments where encroachments persist, blocking traffic and reducing pedestrian space despite ongoing eviction efforts. The anti-encroachment team, operating with only 150 personnel, faces challenges in maintaining round-the-clock surveillance. A high-level meeting at the police headquarters, attended by Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal and Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, reviewed the situation under the “Mission 100 Day” initiative. Singal emphasized stricter enforcement, directing officials to escalate night-time operations with full police collaboration. The 48 affected locations include prominent areas such as Jhansi Rani Square, Sitabuldi market lanes, Variety Square, Futala Lake frontage, Hingna T-point to Chhatrapati Square, Indora Square to Jaripatka Square, and VNIT to Bajaj Nagar. Officials noted that illegal vendors, temporary structures, and unauthorized setups often reoccupy cleared spaces within hours, highlighting the lack of sustained enforcement. A civic survey revealed the issue is systemic, spanning eight major problems: encroachments on roads and footpaths, illegal constructions, waste dumping, unauthorized sewer and water connections, and illegal hoardings. Coordination challenges further complicate enforcement due to fragmented road ownership. Stretches fall under multiple agencies, including the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Nagpur Improvement Trust, and the NMC, leading to gaps in collaboration.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #municipal_commissioner_vipin_itankar #commissioner_of_police_ravinder_kumar_singal #national_highway_authority_of_india

Maharail to Rectify Faulty Design of Kawrapeth Flyover, Design Awaits Approval Nagpur: The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), responsible for addressing the flawed design of the contentious Kawrapeth flyover, is currently awaiting key approvals before initiating corrective measures. Following an exposé by The Times of India (TOI) that highlighted critical design deficiencies, the issue was brought to the attention of the State legislative assembly by local legislators. PWD minister Shivendra Singh Raje Bhosale, during a meeting on July 17, 2025, assured lawmakers that widening work at three critical junctions would be undertaken at a cost of Rs 20.84 crore to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety. Subsequently, MRIDC (Maharail) was designated as the executing agency for the project. Officials confirmed that the corporation has initiated planning efforts to optimize traffic flow. A General Arrangement Drawing (GAD), tailored to align with on-site conditions, has been submitted to the Public Works Department (PWD) for approval. An MRIDC official stated, "Once the necessary clearance is received, the design process will advance to the next stage." The project is being managed by MRIDC's technical team under the leadership of managing director Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal. The team is focused on resolving both design and safety concerns associated with the flyover. The initiative underscores the urgency to address the structural flaws that have raised safety alarms and contributed to persistent traffic bottlenecks in the region. The delays in finalizing the design have sparked public concern, with residents and commuters demanding swift action to prevent further incidents.#public_works_department #kawrapeth_flyover #rajesh_kumar_jaiswal #shivendra_singh_raje_bhosale

₹1.5 Crore Skill Development Centre Planned in Besa Nagpur: The Public Works Department (PWD) is set to establish a skill development centre in Besa with an estimated cost of ₹1.5 crore, aiming to enhance employment opportunities and strengthen the local MSME ecosystem. The initiative, backed by revenue minister and local MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule, will focus on providing vocational and industry-relevant training to local youth and women, enabling them to pursue self-employment and small-scale entrepreneurship. A senior PWD official told The Times of India that the centre will prioritize practical, livelihood-oriented training. "The facility is being developed specifically to promote self-employment. There are several women-led self-help groups (bachat gats) in the area, and this centre will help them scale up their activities," the official said. Training modules are expected to include skills such as tailoring, incense stick making, and other small-scale business activities. Officials emphasized that the centre will also provide space and basic infrastructure for individuals lacking the resources to start or operate their businesses independently. "If someone has the skill but not the space to work, this centre will support them," the official added. Civic authorities believe the project will play a crucial role in nurturing grassroots entrepreneurship and generating sustainable livelihoods in Besa and surrounding areas. The chief officer of the Besa Nagar Panchayat, Bharat Nandanwar, highlighted the complementary role of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) initiatives in the region. "The skill development centre will host multiple training programmes and work in tandem with NULM schemes, which will soon be rolled out.#times_of_india #public_works_department #chandrashekhar_bawankule #besa_nagar_panchayat #national_urban_livelihood_mission

HC Flags ‘Misleading’ Cost Cuts in Court Projects, Raps PWD Officials The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently issued a sharp critique of the government’s handling of judicial infrastructure projects, accusing officials of misleading cost reductions and administrative negligence that have stalled critical developments. The court’s intervention came during a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Janmanch president Rajiv Jagtap, which highlighted systemic issues in the execution of projects like the Lawyers’ Hall at the District Court in Gadchiroli and the delayed construction of the Chandrapur district court building. The bench, comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta, expressed concern over a significant reduction in the estimated cost of constructing the Lawyers’ Hall, which was slashed from ₹2.18 crore to ₹1.4 crore. The court argued that this “misleading” cost cut had rendered the project unviable, citing confusion among Public Works Department (PWD) officials as a key barrier to progress. “It appears that because of the confusion between the PWD officers, the citizens at large are suffering,” the bench observed, emphasizing that such delays undermine the right to timely justice. The court also raised broader concerns about the government’s practice of drastically cutting project estimates, which it warned could be a “strategic move” to create the illusion of approvals without adequate funding. “Such a stand is misleading,” the bench stated, suggesting that these practices risk compromising the quality and completion of judicial infrastructure. In Chandrapur, the court highlighted severe delays in the construction of the district court building, despite multiple notices issued to the contractor.#bombay_high_court #public_works_department #rajiv_jagtap #janmanch #chandrapur_district_court

Bajrang Setu Glass Crack Sparks Tourist Safety Concerns in Rishikesh A minor crack in the glass structure of the under-construction Bajrang Setu in Rishikesh has raised safety concerns among tourists, despite assurances from the Public Works Department (PWD) that the bridge remains secure. The incident, which has gone viral on social media, has intensified fears about the safety of the iconic glass bridge, which is set to become a major tourist attraction near the Lakshman Jhula. The crack, described as a "light fissure" in one of the five glass layers of the bridge, was reportedly caused by an unknown individual who struck the structure at night. According to PWD officials, the damage is superficial and will be repaired promptly. However, the incident has sparked widespread anxiety among visitors, many of whom have expressed concerns about the bridge’s structural integrity. The PWD’s chief officer, Praveen Kumar Karnwal, clarified that the viral videos circulating online do not depict the actual bridge. He emphasized that the glass deck is designed to withstand normal wear and tear, and the crack does not compromise the bridge’s safety. Karnwal also announced plans to install CCTV cameras to prevent future incidents, assuring the public that the bridge will remain secure. Tourists, however, remain skeptical. Visitors from Gujarat, including Sunil Modi and Ranveer, praised the bridge’s innovative design but voiced apprehension over the crack. They argued that the bridge should have been fully tested and reinforced before its inauguration, given the high volume of foot traffic it is expected to handle. Some have suggested that the glass’s thickness may be insufficient, urging authorities to address the issue to maintain visitor confidence.#public_works_department #rishikesh #bajrang_setu #praveen_kumar_karnwal #lakshman_jhula

After accidents and objections, trees obstructing Besa-Pipla road removed Nagpur: After months of debate and a series of accidents, authorities removed two Gulmohar trees standing in the middle of the busy Besa-Pipla main road on Tuesday night, bringing relief to commuters and motorists. Several mishaps had been reported at the spot over the past few months. The recent accident on Monday night renewed calls for removal of these trees. Despite the risks, authorities had earlier held back from taking action due to strong objections from environmental activists. A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official told TOI that all mandatory procedures were followed before the trees were cut. "We identify and mark trees based on their location and whether they fall within the road alignment. A public notice is issued, and objections, if any, are considered. Only after discussions and due approvals do we proceed," the official said. He added that compensatory plantation will be undertaken in line with norms. "The ratio generally depends on the size and type of tree. In this case, we will plant 14 trees as compensation. Once the road work is completed, we will take up fresh plantation along the stretch, either through PWD or the Nagar Panchayat, which will also benefit pedestrians," he said. Officials noted that certain species like banyan and peepal trees require additional consideration due to their ecological and cultural significance. The move has drawn mixed reactions from residents. N Cherian, a Pipla resident, said the trees could have been preserved through alternative measures. "Instead of cutting the trees, authorities could have barricaded them properly. Now, compensatory plantation must be ensured," he said.#public_works_department #besa_pipla_road #environmental_activists #nagar_panchayat #bharat_nandanwar

PWD Plans Feasibility Study for 900-Metre Road Beneath Metro Viaduct in South Delhi New Delhi: The Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated a feasibility study for a proposed road link beneath a metro viaduct in south Delhi, aiming to enhance last-mile connectivity in a densely populated and congested area. The project focuses on constructing a nearly 900-metre road connecting Maa Anandmayee Marg to Harkesh Nagar metro station, a critical junction serving residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and key transit routes. The initiative seeks to address fragmented connectivity between the arterial road and the metro station, which currently forces commuters to take longer, more congested routes. Maa Anandmayee Marg is a major thoroughfare linking south Delhi to Faridabad, while Harkesh Nagar metro station on the violet line serves as a vital access point for daily commuters from nearby areas such as Okhla, Tughlakabad, and surrounding industrial zones. The proposed road aims to bridge the gap by improving access to public transport and alleviating pressure on nearby roads plagued by heavy traffic, informal parking, and pedestrian congestion. The scope of the project extends beyond basic construction. The PWD plans to conduct comprehensive surveys, including Total Station Survey (TSS), GPS mapping, and traffic studies, to assess ground conditions and movement patterns. These findings will inform the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR), along with engineering drawings and presentations. The proposal will also examine land ownership and identify potential morphological ridge areas that may impact the project, ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.#delhi #public_works_department #maa_anandmayee_marg #harkesh_nagar #total_station_survey

One Side Shut For Concreting, Traffic Mess On MLA Hostel Road Before VIP Event Severe traffic congestion gripped Nagpur’s MLA Hostel Road on Sunday evening as one side of the road was abruptly closed for concreting work, disrupting vehicular movement ahead of a VIP event. The closure, coupled with heavy traffic due to events at nearby venues, led to long snarls, prompting traffic police to intervene and ease the situation. The Public Works Department (PWD) was conducting concretisation work on the stretch between Raja Rani Chowk and Ahinsa Chowk, with one side of the road already completed. However, the opposite side was shut down, forcing motorists to take U-turns at already congested mid-junctions. The chaos was further exacerbated by haphazard parking along the narrowed road, which severely impacted traffic flow towards Satpura Lawns. Sitabuldi Traffic Zone Inspector Aniruddha Puri confirmed that the road closure and parked vehicles on the roadside were the primary causes of the congestion. He stated that traffic police swiftly made the Ahinsa Chowk to Raja Rani Chowk stretch one-way available for VIP movement and removed illegally parked vehicles. Puri noted that the problem was resolved before the arrival of VIPs, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was visiting Desphande Hall to felicitate newly-elected Rajya Sabha member Maya Ivnate. Residents and commuters have raised concerns over the slow progress of road concretisation work in Civil Lines and the elevated height of the newly-constructed road. First-time corporator Abhijeet Jha alleged negligence and poor execution by PWD officials, citing issues such as uneven construction, poor-quality paver blocks, and the risk of flooding during monsoons.#nagpur #devendra_fadnavis #public_works_department #mla_hostel_road #aniruddha_puri

HC Pulls Up PWD Over Delay in Reply on Flooding Due to Elevated Cement Roads The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday criticized the public works department (PWD) for its failure to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding persistent waterlogging in parts of the city caused by elevated cement-concrete roads. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta expressed frustration over the department’s delayed submission of its reply and questioned when the response would be filed. The court emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, which has led to recurring flooding and public grievances. The PIL, filed by Rajiv Jagtap, president of the civic rights group Janmanch, highlighted the impact of waterlogging on residents and infrastructure. In previous hearings, the bench had directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to submit a time-bound action plan to mitigate the problem before the monsoon season. However, the PWD’s continued silence has raised concerns about the coordination between agencies responsible for urban development. In its affidavit, the civic body claimed that waterlogging would not pose a significant issue this year and outlined preventive measures. However, the court dismissed these proposals as impractical, casting doubt on their effectiveness in addressing the recurring problem. The PWD’s failure to clarify its stance has further exacerbated concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in managing urban infrastructure. Advocate Pervez Mirza, representing the petitioner, stressed the urgency of the matter, warning that delays in implementing corrective measures could lead to severe inconvenience and property damage during the monsoon.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #public_works_department #janmanch #rajiv_jagtap

Concretisation work chokes GorakshanT-point; Petrol Pump Queues Worsen Bottleneck Nagpur: Ongoing road concretisation and cycle track work at the busy Gorakshan T-point has triggered severe traffic congestion, crippling movement near the start of the Gowari flyover. The public works department (PWD) has restricted traffic to a single operational lane by closing one lane on each side, sharply reducing road capacity at the crucial junction. The situation has been compounded by long queues of vehicles outside a petrol pump near Gorakshan temple, with cars often spilling onto the main road and intensifying the bottleneck. Commuters reported long delays and near standstill conditions, particularly during peak hours. "I've been stuck in this queue for 45 minutes. I don't even have enough fuel to reach pumps on the outskirts," said Jignesh Patidar, who needed to travel to his farm near Khindsi. The congestion has also disrupted daily routines of office-goers and professionals who rely on the stretch. "The flyover is a lifeline for those heading beyond Zero Mile. But for those of us working in Dhantoli and Sitabuldi, it has become a daily ordeal," said Dr Akhilesh Navghare, who runs a clinic in Dhantoli. "The work has been taken up from both sides, squeezing traffic flow," he added. Residents and commuters have raised concerns over the execution of the high-value project, alleging poor planning and lack of traffic management measures. "Rahate Colony to Variety Square is always a high-traffic stretch. Carrying out such a large project without proper planning shows a lack of empathy for citizens," said tuition teacher Kavita Raut. The project is being implemented in phases and covers two major stretches. The 2.#nagpur #public_works_department #gorakshan_tpoint #petrol_pump #gowari_flyover

Deadline Missed, Besa–Pipla ‘Death Road’ Remains a Hazard Amid Delays Nagpur: The much-anticipated concretisation of Besa-Pipla Road has missed its mid-March deadline, prolonging commuter woes and raising serious safety concerns along the busy stretch. The project, initially scheduled for completion between February and March, remains incomplete, with officials now pushing the revised deadline to the end of April. The road has increasingly gained notoriety as a ‘killer road’ following a fatal accident involving 72-year-old Rangrao Patil. Uneven surfaces and ongoing construction activity have made the stretch highly accident-prone, with near-misses occurring daily. Daily commuters complain that the delays have significantly increased travel time while exposing them to constant risk. “I’ve personally witnessed multiple near-miss accidents on this road in the past few weeks. The lanes are unclear due to construction, and during peak hours, vehicles get stuck in long queues, increasing frustration and risky driving,” said Madan Sahajwani, a local grocer. Despite the infusion of additional funds, including support under Union minister Nitin Gadkari’s Central Road Fund, progress on the ground has been slow. According to a senior source from the Public Works Department (PWD), only one side of the road is nearing completion, while work on the other side remains pending. “Barely 10 to 20 metres of work is left on one side, but the March deadline could not be met due to fund constraints that temporarily halted the project. The curing process is complete, and only paving block laying remains on that stretch,” the official said. The source added that both sides of the road are now expected to be fully concretised by the end of April, provided there are no further interruptions.#nitin_gadkari #public_works_department #besa_pipla_road #rangrao_patil #central_road_fund

NMC Tenders Spark Concern Over Infrastructure Quality Amid Low Bids Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) public works department has proposed approving tenders quoted at significantly lower-than-estimated rates, raising alarms about potential compromises to construction standards. Two key proposals—bids 38.90% and 37.18% below the base cost—have been forwarded to the standing committee for review. These proposals are set to be discussed at the committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Of the six proposals submitted by the public works department (PWD), three relate to administrative approvals, one involves inviting tenders, and two pertain to cement road works. Civic officials noted that intense competition among contractors has driven them to aggressively underbid, resulting in rates far below the sanctioned project costs. This trend has sparked concerns about the quality of infrastructure projects, as the department itself is approving these low bids. Officials emphasized that while the tendering process remains transparent, the unusually low quotes have triggered broader debates about whether project estimates are inflated or if contractors are undercutting costs to secure work orders. This is not the first time such low bids have raised eyebrows. In previous instances, several civic works were awarded at sharply discounted rates, prompting scrutiny over cost assessments and contractor practices. For example, a tender for I-block installation saw a bid 41.62% below the estimated cost. The project, initially valued at Rs28.99 lakh, was awarded to a bidder quoting Rs16.92 lakh. With 28 bidders participating, most quoted 30–40% below estimates, signaling a growing "race to the bottom.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #public_works_department #sanjay_mahakalkar