Nagpur Traffic Upgrade: NMC to Complete 11 Intersection Redevelopment Projects Soon
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is racing against time to complete one of its most ambitious traffic improvement projects, the redevelopment of 11 key intersections across the city, by the end of November. This ₹4 crore project is not just about new roads or signals; it’s about reshaping how Nagpur moves, walks, and drives.
If all goes as planned, daily commuters will soon experience smoother traffic, safer crossings, and a more organized flow at some of the city’s busiest junctions.
The Vision Behind the Project
Nagpur’s roads have seen tremendous growth in traffic over the years. With rising vehicle numbers and expanding neighborhoods, intersections have become pressure points, often leading to congestion, accidents, and long waiting times.
To address these issues, the NMC launched a redevelopment initiative to redesign major chowks, making them safer for pedestrians and easier for drivers to navigate. The main aim is to build intersections that work efficiently even during peak hours.
As NMC Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari explained during his inspection, this project is not merely a facelift, it’s about improving urban mobility and safety for everyone.
“Our goal is to make Nagpur’s roads more commuter-friendly,” said Executive Engineer (Traffic) Ravindra Bundhade. “The upgraded intersections will feature improved signal timing, clear pedestrian crossings, and directional boards for drivers. All of this will help reduce congestion and accidents.”
Where the Work Is Happening
The redevelopment work is currently underway at 11 crucial locations in Nagpur. These include:
- VCA Chowk
- Ashoka Hotel Chowk
- Liberty Talkies Chowk
- Lakshmi Bhuvan Chowk
- Mate Chowk
- Alankar Talkies Chowk
- University Library Chowk
- Wanjari Nagar Water Tank Chowk
- Jadhav Chowk
- Agyaram Devi Chowk
- ST Stand area (traffic obstruction zone)
Each of these intersections plays a vital role in Nagpur’s daily traffic movement, connecting key areas like Sitabuldi, Dharampeth, Civil Lines, and Sadar.
A Morning Inspection with a Mission
On a recent Saturday morning, NMC Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari personally inspected the ongoing work. Accompanied by Additional Commissioner Vasumana Pant, Executive Engineers Ravindra Bundhade and Rajendra Rathod, Deputy Engineer Rahul Deshmukh, and Junior Engineer Anand Lamsonge, he went site to site, evaluating, guiding, and motivating the teams on the ground.
At each chowk, the commissioner reviewed the quality of materials, the pace of work, and how traffic was being managed during construction. His instructions were clear: no compromise on quality and no delay beyond November.
He also directed officials to hold a special meeting near the ST Stand to deal with a long-standing problem, encroachment by hawkers and unauthorized e-rickshaw parking, which often creates traffic jams in the area.
Why the Redesign Matters
Every city grows and so does its traffic. In Nagpur, intersections are not just points where roads meet; they are lifelines that keep the city moving. Over the years, these junctions have become congested due to:
- Poorly designed turn lanes
- Confusing signal systems
- Lack of pedestrian safety zones
- Encroachments and unauthorized vendors
The redevelopment project aims to change that.
The redesigned intersections will include:
- Better signal synchronization for smoother vehicle movement
- Well-marked pedestrian crossings
- Dedicated turn lanes to prevent unnecessary congestion
- Clear signage to guide drivers
- Improved lighting and road markings for safety at night
These small but powerful design improvements can save time, reduce accidents, and make Nagpur’s roads safer for everyone.
Pedestrians – Finally Getting the Priority They Deserve
For years, pedestrians in Nagpur have struggled to cross busy roads safely. Many intersections lacked proper zebra crossings or signals for walkers. The new design fixes that.
Each upgraded intersection will have clearly marked pathways, signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, and barrier-free access for elderly citizens and people with disabilities.
This is part of NMC’s larger effort to build a walkable city, one where people can move safely without fear of fast-moving traffic.
“We are creating spaces that are not just vehicle-friendly but also people-friendly,” said an NMC engineer involved in the project. “Pedestrians should feel safe while crossing any road in Nagpur.”
Addressing Real Problems on the Ground
The ST Stand area has been one of the most problematic spots for years. Vendors, fruit stalls, and small eateries occupy large portions of the road, making it hard for buses and rickshaws to move.
During his inspection, Commissioner Chaudhari emphasized that strict action would be taken to clear encroachments and streamline traffic in the area. The NMC is also coordinating with the traffic police department to ensure that once redevelopment is done, the area remains organized and obstruction-free.
Modern Signals and Smarter Systems
Traffic lights play a crucial role in managing flow, and the NMC plans to modernize them. The intersections will be equipped with automated signal systems, better timing controls, and sensors that adapt to real-time traffic conditions.
These upgrades will help reduce idle times, fuel consumption, and unnecessary pollution, a small but meaningful step toward a greener Nagpur.
Directional signage will also be added to make navigation easier, especially for new drivers and visitors. The goal is to make each intersection intuitive and easy to understand at a glance.
The Human Side of the Project
Beyond machines and materials, there’s a human story here. Hundreds of workers, engineers, and planners are working day and night, sometimes under harsh conditions to meet the November deadline.
From traffic wardens managing diversions to construction teams working late evenings, the project has become a collective effort to make Nagpur better.
The spirit of collaboration between NMC, contractors, and local authorities shows how public infrastructure can transform when everyone works toward a shared vision.
Challenges on the Road
Of course, no large civic project is without challenges. Sudden rains, heavy traffic, and ongoing encroachments have slowed work in some areas. However, NMC officials remain confident that the work will be completed on time.
To ensure that happens, the commissioner has instructed engineers to increase manpower, extend work hours, and complete one intersection at a time to avoid confusion.
There’s also a strong push for public cooperation, citizens are being urged to follow temporary diversions and respect barricades to help teams work faster and safely.
What This Means for Nagpur’s Future
Once completed, the redevelopment of these 11 intersections will mark a new era in Nagpur’s traffic management. Commuters can expect:
- Shorter waiting times at signals
- Safer pedestrian crossings
- Smoother right and left turns
- Better night visibility
- Reduced chaos during peak hours
More importantly, the project will set a new benchmark for how urban spaces are designed in Nagpur. It reflects a shift in mindset, from just building roads to designing smart mobility systems.
This initiative also aligns with the city’s vision of becoming a modern, sustainable urban center under the Smart City Mission.
A City Moving Forward
Nagpur’s growth story has always been about balance, development that keeps pace with its people. The intersection redevelopment project is a clear sign that the NMC is listening to the needs of citizens and acting with purpose.
When completed, these intersections won’t just be better roads; they’ll represent a safer, smarter, and more organized Nagpur, a city that values both speed and safety.
Quick Facts
- Total intersections: 11
- Project cost: ₹4 crore
- Deadline: End of November
- Main focus: Pedestrian safety, traffic flow, signal modernization
- Key officials: Abhijeet Chaudhari (Commissioner), Vasumana Pant (Additional Commissioner), Ravindra Bundhade (Executive Engineer)
- Expected outcome: Reduced congestion, fewer accidents, smoother navigation
Final Thoughts
The NMC’s push to complete the redevelopment of 11 major intersections by November isn’t just a civic upgrade, it’s a statement of intent. It shows a city committed to order, safety, and smart growth.
If the project succeeds, and all signs suggest it will, Nagpur will set an example for other growing cities in India on how to transform chaos into coordination, one intersection at a time.