India to get its first four-deck transport structure in Nagpur

The city of Nagpur is reportedly set to be home to the country’s first four-deck transport structure at Kamptee road – which will be the first level. The Nagpur-Bhopal railway line is second followed by a 5.3 km flyover that will receive sanctions of Rs 5.35 billion from NHAI and will be below the metro viaduct which is the final level. As reported, the first of its kind structure has yet to clear certain hurdles. MahaMetro has received communication from NHAI in regards to the discussion recovery of costs for the proposed highway with the Maharashtra Government – requesting a concession. However, Union Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari has stepped in and directed the agency to withdraw its demand following which they have been asked to send a fresh proposal to the metro authorities. Adding to the list of concerns associated with the construction of the structure is the shift from the previously decided upon location for the flyover to start from. It was set to begin from opposite SFS Cathedral, however, now it will reportedly start from the LIC Square. This brings with it an added requirement of demolishing around seven buildings as per the current NHAI norms. It is suggested that upon relaxation of some of these norms and changes in the width of the service roads, the metro officials will not have to tear down all buildings. Reportedly, work on the viaduct and flyover on either side of the railway track is already underway at the hands of MahaMetro – about 50 per cent work on both structures, that are rooted on the same piers, is completed on the entire stretch.  The construction of the structure is a highly tedious task as it involves building levels above a fully operational railway line. The Nagpur-Bhopal line is highly busy and in order to go forward with the four-levelled project, MahaMetro will require appropriate time slots when there are no trains running on the line. It is, however, in use throughout the day and railway authorities haven’t shown active support to reduce the traffic on the route. Prior to the upcoming structure, officials were dabbling with the idea of constructing an underground road tunnel near the road but it was later decided against and replaced with the flyover. The structure will reportedly be built at a lesser cost as compared to the tunnel.