Nagpur: The first flyover built in Nagpur, located in Panchpaoli, will be demolished starting Saturday night. The flyover, which is over 30 years old, will be removed to make way for a much bigger and better bridge that will connect Kamal Chowk to Dighori.

Big machines have arrived for the demolition, and the work is expected to finish in 25 days. The old flyover was 1 km long and 6.5 metres wide. The new flyover will be 9 km long and 11 metres wide.

The old flyover was built between 1992 and 1994 to help people avoid long waits at the railway gates (number 571 and 572) on the Nagpur–Howrah route. Over time, the bridge became weak and is now being removed to build the city’s longest flyover.

Right now, it takes over 30 minutes to travel from Kamal Chowk to Dighori. Once the new flyover is ready, the same journey will take only 10 minutes.

Special plan for railway section

For the part of the bridge above railway tracks, the NHAI will work with the railway department to stop trains briefly. A large 700-tonne crane will hold the bridge while diamond cutters cut it into pieces. Each piece will then be safely moved. This work may cause loud noise in the Panchpaoli area for a few days.

City has replaced old bridges before

This is not the first time an old bridge is being replaced. Earlier, the British-era bridge between Central Avenue and Kingsway was removed to build the Ramjhula bridge. The Chhatrapati flyover on Wardha Road was also taken down for a new double-decker flyover from Ajni to the airport. After Panchpaoli, the old bridge at Ajni railway station will also be removed for a new cable-stayed bridge.

Traffic changes during work

Until the new bridge is ready, vehicles will be allowed to pass through the two old railway gates near Golibar Square. Some service roads will be closed at times, and diversions will be provided for smooth traffic flow.