Eight Months After Bhoomipujan, Mahametro Yet To Start Central Avenue Project Work

Nagpur: Almost eight months after the bhoomipujan of the Rs150 crore Central Avenue redevelopment project, MahaMetro is yet to float the tender, leaving the proposed road concretisation and footpath redevelopment work stuck in the pre-construction stage. The agency has now said the tender is likely to be floated this month, following approval from the Public Works Department (PWD).The bhoomipujan for the Central Avenue and Kamptee Road projects was held on December 15 last year. However, the two projects have since progressed at different speeds. While work on the Kamptee Road stretch being carried out by PWD began around three months ago, Central Avenue is yet to enter the tendering stage.A senior MahaMetro official told TOI that the agency used the intervening period to carry out detailed studies before finalising the project. “Multiple studies have been completed, including those related to waterlogging and other problems. We also consulted locals and sought their suggestions. The estimated cost was then sent to PWD for approval since the department owns the project, and MahaMetro has been entrusted with its execution. After the approval, the tender will be floated this month,” the official said.The project covers about 6.1 km of Central Avenue, from Poddareshwar Ram Mandir to Prajapati Nagar in Pardi. It envisages concretisation of the existing road along with redevelopment of footpaths and other pedestrian facilities. Improved stormwater drainage and cycle tracks are also planned as part of the upgrade.The PWD handed over execution to MahaMetro because of its experience in implementing large urban infrastructure projects. However, the prolonged preparation and approval process has delayed the start of work for several months.Central Avenue is one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors, carrying substantial traffic throughout the day. Once construction begins, the work will have to be undertaken in phases, with traffic management measures needed to prevent major disruption to commuters and businesses.The delay also means that the project will now face the additional challenge of coordinating construction with existing traffic. Officials will have to plan work zones, pedestrian movement and diversions carefully before taking up the road.