RailEnquiry

NAGPUR: Though this may sound an improbable task but if implemented, it has the potential to solve traffic problems witnessed around the Nagpur railway station. Keeping on hold its earlier proposal to construct a foot-over-bridge, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is now planning a subway which will link the western and eastern sides of the railway station. Municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane has mooted the proposal in the meeting held with the divisional railway manager of Central Railway Brijesh Dixit.Confirming this, Wardhane told TOI that the plan is in very initial stage. "When I came to know about the proposal to construct the FOB, I thought constructing a subway on the lines of CST, Mumbai, would be an ideal option. NMC may ask the CST subway's consultant to prepare a feasibility report. The proposal would be prepared only if the subway plan is feasible," he said.Sources told TOI that NMC proposed the Central Railway to share expenses of the subway to make it feasible. "However, the railway officials expressed their difficulties. The NMC may not go for such a big expense unless it receives funds from one of the government's schemes like the JNNURM or other. The subway may be feasible if it is constructed on BOT basis or shops are allotted in the subway," said sources.

The Central Railway had urged the NMC to construct a FoB at Jaistambh Square for the convenience of passengers in April this year. Accordingly, NMC was preparing a plan to construct the FoB for connecting the DRM office and three roads, which meet at the square, with the railway station. The proposal to connect the FoB with the platforms was also under consideration. However, the entire plan was in initial stages.

Wardhane, who has worked in the state urban development department, has good knowledge about urban planning. He wished to replace the FoB with the subway. He is of the opinion that the FoB may be not feasible, technically as well as financially.

Instead, if the subway materializes it might solve many problems, feels Wardhane. The Jaistambh Square witnesses huge and haphazard traffic for most parts of the day as the flyover in front of the railway station, the railway over bridge (ROB) connecting Central Nagpur and Kingsway converge here. Besides, there is no easy connectivity between Santra and Cotton markets with Civil Lines due to which citizens have to either take route from Loha pul direction or use the ROB. The subway would connect these markets directly with the railway station's platforms and also to Civil Lines through Kingsway.

Meanwhile, the Central Railway has given approval for laying water pipeline at three stretches of its route at Godhani, Narendra Nagar and Kalamna.