#public_works_department

PWD Picks Traffic Island Model For Besa Sq, Nixes Roundabout The Public Works Department (PWD) has finalized a redesign plan for Besa Square in Nagpur, opting for a traffic-island model instead of the landscaped roundabout initially proposed by the Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat. Officials confirmed the revamped junction will be completed by August 15, contingent on the completion of utility-shifting work. The project includes replacing an aging water pipeline beneath the intersection, a task expected to take about a month. Construction of the redesigned junction will commence once the pipeline work is finalized. The PWD’s decision to prioritize traffic islands over the Nagar Panchayat’s roundabout proposal was based on the junction’s heavy traffic volume and the need to minimize congestion during construction. A PWD official explained that Besa Square will feature concrete paving blocks and small traffic and pedestrian islands designed to streamline left-turn movements while allowing through traffic to flow unhindered. This approach contrasts with the proposed designs for Bajaj Nagar and Kachipura squares, which included decorative stone blocks and a circular roundabout. The Nagar Panchayat had initially suggested a landscaped roundabout with a bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other beautification elements. However, the PWD rejected the proposal, citing space constraints and visibility concerns. A senior PWD official emphasized that the department would execute the project independently, stating that the Nagar Panchayat’s roundabout idea was deemed infeasible at the congested junction. The official highlighted that a roundabout would obstruct visibility and impede traffic movement at one of the city’s busiest intersections. “We cannot block the road for a month.#nagpur #public_works_department #chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj #nagar_panchayat #besa_square

BRICS Meet Glam-Up: Nagpur Gets Stopgap Facelift Ahead Of VIP Visits Nagpur: With the BRICS transport ministers' meeting beginning on Thursday, authorities have launched a frantic citywide beautification drive, addressing potholes, repairing streetlights, repainting road dividers, washing statues, and clearing neglected areas. Citizens have noted the repetition of this effort, recalling a similar campaign ahead of the C20 Summit hosted by the city three years ago. Over the past few days, civic agencies have intensified efforts along routes designated for BRICS delegates. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has removed encroachments, cleaned medians, trimmed overgrown vegetation, washed murals, and landscaped junctions, while damaged roads are being patched amid ongoing monsoon conditions. The Public Works Department (PWD) has prioritized emergency repairs on stretches including bitumen patchwork on service roads along Wardha Road. MahaMetro has repainted faded dividers on Wardha Road and washed Metro piers despite heavy rainfall. Residents have expressed frustration at the irony of the situation. "Potholes that troubled commuters for weeks are being attended to overnight. Streetlights that remained non-functional despite complaints are suddenly illuminated," remarked Anjali Tambat, a citizen. She criticized the temporary nature of the improvements, suggesting that the city’s infrastructure should be maintained regularly rather than only during high-profile events. "If this is what it takes, we would request ministers and VIPs to visit Nagpur every six months so that we get facilities that we, as taxpayers, are already paying for," she said. Other citizens echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the inconsistency in municipal priorities.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #brics #mahametro

Bitumen Spit & Polish On Cracked Cement Road The Nagpur-based Public Works Department (PWD) has undertaken a last-minute repair of a cracked stretch of cement concrete (CC) road on Wardha Road near Khapri, ahead of the BRICS Transport Ministers' Summit. The decision to lay layers of bitumen over the damaged pavement has sparked local skepticism, with residents questioning the rationale behind using temporary asphalt fixes for a road constructed at significant cost and intended to last decades. The work, carried out amid heavy monsoon rains, is part of a broader effort to prepare key roads leading to summit venues, including the approach road to a hotel in Khapri near Mihan, where several high-profile meetings are scheduled. According to officials from the National Highways Division of the PWD, the repair was an emergency measure undertaken just days before the summit, as the monsoon season intensified. The officials admitted that reconstructing the damaged concrete pavement during the rainy period was not feasible. A senior PWD official told The Times of India that the road’s deterioration stemmed from two primary challenges: the presence of black cotton soil beneath sections of the pavement, which compromises structural stability, and the absence of an effective drainage system, which allows water to accumulate beneath the road surface. The repair work has drawn criticism from locals, who argue that the road’s condition highlights systemic issues in infrastructure maintenance. The PWD’s decision to prioritize temporary fixes over long-term reconstruction has raised concerns about the durability of the solution.#nagpur #times_of_india #public_works_department #khapri #brics_transport_ministers_summit

Pwd Moves Ahead, MahaMetro Stalls Central Avenue Project Six months after the foundation stone was laid for two road concretisation projects worth Rs150 crore each, their implementation has taken sharply different trajectories. While the Public Works Department (PWD) has begun ground work on the RBI Square–Automotive Square corridor, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) is yet to award the tender for the Central Avenue concretisation and footpath redevelopment project. Union minister Nitin Gadkari performed the bhoomipuja for both projects on December 15 last year, projecting them as key infrastructure upgrades to improve road quality, traffic flow, and pedestrian facilities. Despite being announced on the same day, the two projects have progressed at markedly different speeds. The PWD project involves constructing a 6.14-km cement concrete road from RBI Square to Automotive Square Metro Station along the old National Highway-44 on the Nagpur-Jabalpur route. This includes building a four-lane carriageway, modern stormwater drainage systems, and other civic infrastructure. Work has already commenced, with the department reporting progress on site. The second project, however, remains stalled at the tendering stage. It aims to white-top a 6.1-km stretch of Central Avenue from Poddareshwar Ram Mandir to Prajapati Nagar (Pardi), alongside redeveloping footpaths and creating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The delay in the Central Avenue project has pushed its timeline back by several months. PWD entrusted MahaMetro with executing the project due to the agency’s experience in urban infrastructure works.#nitin_gadkari #nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #maharashtra_legislative_council #mahametro

BMC Suspends Four, NMC Yet To Fix Accountability A 60-year-old woman was electrocuted in a rainwater puddle in Nagpur after a damaged underground streetlight cable left the area in a hazardous condition. Despite allegations that the incident stemmed from faulty infrastructure, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has yet to take action against any officials or contractors involved, unlike Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which swiftly suspended four officials following a similar fatal incident. The stark contrast in responses has drawn renewed scrutiny of the NMC’s handling of civic failures. The BMC’s swift action came after a 60-year-old man died during drain maintenance work in Sakinaka on July 2. The civic body suspended four officials within 24 hours, pending an inquiry, highlighting its immediate response to the tragedy. In contrast, the NMC’s delayed reaction to the electrocution case has raised concerns about accountability. NMC chief engineer Leena Upadhey confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered, with an electrical inspector from the state’s Public Works Department tasked to investigate the incident. However, she emphasized that further action would depend on the findings of the probe. The NMC’s approach has sparked criticism, with critics arguing that its reliance on post-incident inquiries without prompt accountability has become a recurring pattern. In 2024, a 24-year-old man died after poor restoration work left a road unsafe, prompting the NMC to promise stricter enforcement against contractors. Yet, allegations of negligent restoration continue to surface, suggesting that these assurances have not translated into meaningful action.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #brihanmumbai_municipal_corporation #leena_upadhey #nmc_chief_engineer

One good spell of rain exposes ugly monsoon planning at city infra sites A heavy downpour in Nagpur on Wednesday night revealed severe shortcomings in the city’s infrastructure planning and monsoon preparedness, exposing unsafe conditions at multiple ongoing construction sites. The 70mm rainfall, the first significant shower of the season, turned roads into waterlogged hazards, exposed poorly barricaded excavations, and left commuters navigating muddy diversions and unstable surfaces. The incident has sparked criticism of the city’s infrastructure management, as multiple government agencies simultaneously work on large-scale projects, including flyovers, underpasses, drainage networks, and road expansions. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Public Works Department (PWD), MahaRail, MahaMetro, Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are all involved in these projects. However, the monsoon rains exposed a lack of coordination and inadequate temporary drainage systems, leaving roads and construction sites vulnerable to flooding. TOI’s investigation found that many under-construction roads were submerged or turned into muddy tracks, with temporary diversions becoming slippery and excavated areas posing risks to pedestrians and vehicles. In East Nagpur, MahaRail’s flyover construction sites faced severe challenges as waterlogged approaches and unstable soil made parts of the project nearly impassable. Similarly, the NMC’s Amrut 2.0 drainage project, aimed at improving South Nagpur’s infrastructure, left roads excavated for pipeline installation turned into slushy, hazardous zones.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nagpur_improvement_trust #public_works_department #maha_metro #maha_rail

HC Seeks Urgent ASI Nod for Rs19 Crore Revival of Historic Court Building The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to expedite its decision on a Rs19 crore proposal for the conservation and restoration of the historic Old High Court Building in Civil Lines. The court, presided over by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, emphasized the need for an urgent response, setting a deadline of July 6 for further proceedings. The directive came during a hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the deteriorating condition of the 19th-century heritage structure, which is considered one of Nagpur’s most iconic judicial landmarks. Ashutosh Dharmadhikari was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter. The revised conservation plan, jointly prepared by the ASI and the Public Works Department (PWD), was submitted after a detailed review meeting mandated by earlier court orders. ASI counsel Mugdha Chandurkar informed the bench that the proposal would now be forwarded to the ASI director general in New Delhi for final approval. The court ordered the ASI chief to provide a decision within seven days, underscoring the urgency of preserving the heritage site. Initially, the PWD had proposed a restoration plan costing nearly Rs30 crore. However, the ASI informed the court that the building, classified as a protected heritage monument, required adherence to strict conservation norms and archaeological preservation guidelines. This necessitated a revised estimate, leading to the current Rs19 crore proposal.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #public_works_department #archaeological_survey_of_india #old_high_court_building

Maharashtra Govt Approves ₹165.62-Cr Family Court Building in Nagpur The Maharashtra government has granted fresh administrative approval for the construction of a new Family Court building in Nagpur, with the project now estimated at ₹165.62 crore, significantly higher than the initial ₹43.42 crore proposed in November 2022. A government resolution (GR) issued by the law and judiciary department on June 15 cleared the plan for a basement with parking and a nine-storey structure housing 18 court halls, replacing the earlier approval. The revised proposal was submitted by the Bombay High Court following updated cost estimates. The project, located at Civil Lines behind Suyog Bhavan, aims to enhance infrastructure for handling family dispute cases. The Public Works Department (PWD) will execute the construction, with the complex planned to have a built-up area of approximately 24,598 square meters. The design includes court halls, judicial chambers, and allied facilities such as electrical and fire-fighting systems, lifts, air-conditioning, LAN and EPABX networks, water supply, sanitation, furniture, boundary walls, gates, landscaping, and parking. The government has imposed strict conditions for the project’s execution, requiring architectural and layout plans to be approved by competent authorities and obtaining clearances from relevant agencies. Compliance with environmental norms and public works guidelines is mandatory. The GR explicitly prohibits any deviation from the approved scope, emphasizing that any changes or additions must undergo prior approval under prescribed procedures to prevent further revisions. This ensures the project adheres to the revised budget and specifications.#nagpur #bombay_high_court #public_works_department #civil_lines #maharashtra_govt

Plastic Bottles Choke Trimurti Nagar Drain, PWD Forced To Dig Up Damaged Pipeline Residents of Trimurti Nagar in Nagpur faced a severe drainage crisis after hundreds of plastic bottles and household waste blocked a major underground drain along the Inner Ring Road. The blockage, which persisted for nearly two weeks, led to overflowing wastewater and stagnant pools on roads, creating unhygienic conditions and posing health risks such as mosquito breeding and waterborne diseases. The issue was finally addressed by the Public Works Department (PWD) after repeated complaints from locals. During a visit by The Times of India, reporters observed stagnant water and plastic debris floating in the drainage channel. In one section, the road had caved in due to the pressure from trapped water beneath the damaged pipeline. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) teams initially attempted to de-clog the drain but found it completely packed with waste. Officials confirmed that the affected stretch of the drainage line falls under PWD jurisdiction as it runs along the Inner Ring Road. The PWD officials inspected the site and stated that de-clogging alone would not resolve the issue. The drainage line, constructed under the Integrated Road Development Programme (IRDP), had a 50–60 metre section entirely blocked, restricting water flow. Heavy rains had exacerbated the problem, building up pressure inside the drain and damaging parts of the pipeline. An official noted that mechanical cleaning would not suffice to fix the damage. To address the crisis, the PWD has decided to excavate the affected area, remove the damaged pipeline, and clear the blockage. A new pipe will be installed and connected to an existing underground chamber.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #inner_ring_road #trimurti_nagar

Complaints Surge 43% After Nmc’s Elected Body Returns The return of elected representatives to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) after four years of administrator rule has not alleviated citizens’ civic grievances, with public complaints surging by over 43% since the General Body resumed operations in early 2026. Official data reveals that between January 1 and June 4, 2026, the civic body received 23,444 complaints, compared to 16,362 during the same period in 2025 under administrator oversight. This sharp rise underscores persistent challenges in municipal service delivery despite repeated assurances of improved governance. Sanitation emerged as the primary source of complaints, with the health sanitation department witnessing a nearly 69% increase in grievances. In 2025, the department recorded 7,018 complaints, which jumped to 11,851 in 2026. The surge highlights unresolved issues such as inadequate garbage collection, roadside cleanliness, overflowing bins, and waste disposal problems. Other departments also saw significant spikes: electrical complaints rose from 1,472 to 2,448, water works complaints increased from 1,301 to 1,684, and public works grievances climbed from 1,881 to 2,319. Encroachment-related complaints also rose by 131, from 943 to 1,074. The data raises concerns about the effectiveness of civic service delivery under the restored elected governance. While residents anticipated greater accountability with corporators back in charge, the volume of complaints suggests that routine issues remain unaddressed across departments. The sanitation department, in particular, struggled with timely grievance resolution.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #public_works_department #sanitation_department #electrical_department

Former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai Vindicates Decision to Recommend Bombay High Court Judges for Supreme Court Nagpur: Former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, speaking at the inauguration of a mural of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the renovated Central Hall at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, defended his controversial decision to recommend judges from the Bombay High Court for elevation to the Supreme Court. Despite facing criticism for his stance, Gavai asserted that his choice to appoint Justice AS Chandurkar to the Supreme Court had been vindicated by the judge’s performance over the past year. “Looking back, the decision I took was correct. That has been proved over the past year. Justice Chandurkar has demonstrated through his work that the decision was perfectly justified,” Gavai stated. The former CJI highlighted the significance of the Dr Ambedkar mural, describing it as a constant reminder of the constitutional values and ideals championed by the Dalit leader. He also recalled President Rajendra Prasad’s praise for Ambedkar’s role in drafting the Indian Constitution. Gavai further commended the Public Works Department (PWD) for its efforts in renovating the judicial infrastructure, emphasizing that while government agencies often face criticism, their contributions should also be acknowledged. Reflecting on his tenure as a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, Gavai recounted a meeting with then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during which the government swiftly approved funding for judicial infrastructure projects. “At one such meeting, we informed him 26 crore was required for renovation. He sanctioned the funds within minutes,” he said.#devendra_fadnavis #bombay_high_court #public_works_department #dr_babasaheb_ambedkar #bhushan_gavai

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