Residents of Nazul Layout, Lumbini Nagar, Christian Colony, and other nearby localities have objected to the ongoing construction of Jaripatka rail over bridge (RoB), commonly called Itarsi Bridge, terming it illegal, since it has violated the prescribed norms. The residents claimed that the State’s Public Works Department (PWD) had sanctioned only a single arm, from National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) to Jaripatka, but the Chief Engineer, PWD’s Nagpur Division, made multiple changes in GAD (General Arrangement Drawing) without any approval. The addition of the second arm, from Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) to Mecosabagh, in the modified GAD is blocking nearby residents’ access to the main road. The residents said that the Jaripatka RoB will create traffic black spots, de-touring, and create hurdles for ambulances, school buses, and heavy vehicles, therefore, they were pitching for course correction.

 

Addressing a press conference on Monday at Patrakar Bhawan, the citizens feared creation of a black spot at the landing point on Jaripatka arm end, near Muslim Kabrastan and the entry gates of Christian graveyard. The citizens have also objected to the statements by local leaders directing the contractor to open one part of Itarsi RoB for vehicular traffic saying that a public interest litigation (PIL) was pending in court. One of the residents, Sujit Rodge, an Architect, stated during the press conference that the matter was brought to the notice of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but no action was taken so far.

 

The residents also alleged that the second arm of the bridge - from (CMPDI) to Mecosabagh - was incorporated in the design to favour the builder lobby which is currently undertaking huge housing schemes around CMPDI. They claimed that the ownership of old Itarsi RoB was with Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and hence PWD should have taken No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the civic body before undertaking construction of replacement bridge. “We are surprised when we learned the plans to open the RoB on Jaripatka side in local newspapers. Besides, there are several other irregularities in the construction of the RoB,” he said. The residents have demanded a stay on the inauguration of Jaripatka RoB, and wait for the pronouncement of final decision by High Court, and to investigate the alleged illegalities by PWD officials. They have demanded appointment of a high-level inquiry committee to probe the issue. Residents Abhay Shende, Dhananjay Meshram, Dr Abhijit Gajhbhiye were present at the press conference.