Diversion on Wardha Road throws life out of gear for citizens; total jam in Dhantoli

Staff Reporter

Finally, the citizens had to face the brunt of apathy of planners as chaos reigned supreme in central part of the city after the closure of the stretch from Panchasheel Square to Jhansi Rani Square. With little room for manoeuvre, total absence of back-up plan on part of authorities, and lack of co-ordination among multiple agencies in the city, it was left to people's will power to face the herculean task of reaching their destination in time. The situation on Wardha Road resulted into a total jam in Dhantoli, particularly near Yeshwant Stadium, as people and vehicles jostled for space. Despite the closure of the busy stretch, no traffic contingency plan was put in place to segregate or divert the traffic on other roads to ensure smooth movement. Adding to the problems of the commuters, the parking of vehicles near Yeshwant Stadium was allowed to continue as usual. The collapse of protection wall on Naag River near Soyamee Complex showcases the total negligence of administrative machinery in the second capital of State, that too at a time when it has a political clout in Mumbai and Delhi like never before. A mere couple of lakhs could not be spared for timely maintenance and strengthening of the British era bridge knowing well that it may collapse any time. And when the bridge collapsed after floods, the writing is on the wall. The middle portion of central part of the city is now out of bounds for citizens. The road stretch in Dhantoli from Panchasheel Square to Mehadia Square and the portion near Yeshwant Stadium do not have required width to adjust the volume of traffic that is generated due to diversion in place. Citizens approaching Panchasheel Square from Lokmat Square are required to take a right turn towards Yeshwant Stadium to make their way through the busy Sitabuldi Metro interchange to get on to Variety Square.

Similarly, those coming from Sadar and approaching Lokmat Square had to take the similar route. The result was a chaotic situation where citizens were left to fend for themselves. The Canal Road from Panchasheel Square towards university is also closed for traffic since work of the new bridge near the University Library is under construction for over several months now. The area encompassing Yeshwant Stadium, Panchasheel Square, Jhansi Rani Square and Sitabuldi Metro Station serves as the hotspot of business activities. Adding to the woes of citizens is the under construction cement Road from Mehadia Square to Maharashtra bank near Sitabuldi Metro Station that has significantly reduced the width of the road. Jayesh Samant, a regular commuter on Wardha Road stated that the diversion has made life miserable for us in one day. There is no traffic management and no police personnel’s present. Two wheeler drivers are criss crossing each other in a hurried manner putting everyone’s live at risk. Business activities around the area will take a major hit as the traffic will not regulate until the Panchasheel bridge work is completed. That is something which only administration knows when that will be completed. Rakesh Kumar, who owns a small computer accessories near Yeshwant stadium stated that the lanes coming from Dhantoli towards were already crowded. Parking was a major concern in the area. With this diversion, citizens now cannot park their vehicles to shop for their needs. The businesses be it of electronics, food or any other will take a major hit.

The civic authorities must work on war footing if they want to provide respite to the citizens. Dhantoli area houses major hospitals. The ambulances carrying passengers used the connecting tiny lanes of Dhantoli for their commute. But now with the main road closed, emergency services will also take a major hit. Ambulances coming on the same road, will now have to wait to pave way for another one, added Kumar. The area surrounding Yeshwant Stadium is also not in good shape as it is dotted with big potholes. A visit by ‘The Hitavada’ team discovered that the potholes are several feet deep and a major reason to worry especially for two wheeler drivers. Haphazard four wheeler parking infront of Yeshwant stadium and operation of private buses are other reasons that contributed to a massive jam around Yeshwant Stadium. Encroachments is also one of the major problems that have swallowed the roads of Sitabuldi area. Furniture shops, mobile shop owners and other shop owners have erected their display boards on roads covering a major portion. The area under Sitabuldi Interchange needs a major overhauling by the authorities since many vendors have erected their stalls here. Regulation of auto-rickshaws by the traffic department will also be a major challenge in streamlining traffic around Sitabuldi area.