Title - Mecosabagh railway overbridge in badshape

NAGPUR: The ordeal undergone by motorists using the Mecosabagh railway overbridge (RoB) seems never ending. The approach ramp on either sides of the RoB is in such bad shape that there is little space left for the motorists to drive.Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had constructed the RoB. The construction work of the 640 meter RoB began in early 2000 and was completed on May 5, 2005. But almost three-fourths of this 640-meter RoB (especially the approach ramp) is in a bad shape. This RoB is an important life line for traffic as it connects west and north Nagpur from Kadbi Chowk to Gondwana Chowk in New Colony, Sadar.Motorists travelling by this route said that no agency has taken responsibility of its maintenance. "In 2011, NMC carried out some patchwork and filled the potholes with raw debris. But this has failed to be of any help and the problem still persists," said Ramesh Gite, a resident of Mecosabagh.At present, the approach ramp on either side of the ROB has lost the tar covering. The uneven surface is becoming a serious threat to the life of motorists. They also face the danger of being hit by speeding heavy vehicles, pointed out a traffic cop deployed at Kadbi Chowk.During rainy season, many accidents involving two-wheelers happen due to skidding. Insufficient street lights and poor road engineering are some of the factors behind it. The protruding stones are hazardous for motorists passing through the RoB during late hours. "My seniors have approached the concerned authorities asking them to repair this vital road which connects West and North Nagpur," the traffic cop added.

No divider on RoB

The absence of a divider on the bridge needs to be addressed by the MSRDC, said Michael Joseph, a New Colony resident. "At least the civic body or the traffic police should erect fibre poles similar to the ones on Gowari flyover in Sitabuldi," he said.

Though repeated representations have been made to repair the crater-filled ramps, the RoB has seen little improvement since last many years, he added.

"During 2009 assembly elections and also this year's NMC polls, all candidates promised to work on improving the conditions of roads, but repair works are yet to start," said Sunita Meshram, a resident of Mecosabagh.

Local corporator Raju Thool admitted that the RoB is in a bad shape. Thool said, he is helpless as the RoB doesn't comes under NMC purview. However, state minister Nitin Raut has clarified that the MSRDC had already handed over the responsibility of the upkeep and maintenance of the RoB to the civic body. He has assured to raise the issue with NMC.

Despite repeated attempts, NMC's chief engineer A N Shambarkar was not available for comments.