The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMR-CL) has commenced the groundwork for the demolition of the Tekdi Road flyover in Nagpur. The actual demolition of the flyover and its sub-structure is set to begin on Thursday morning. As a result, the Traffic Control Branch has issued a closure notification for the Tekdi Road flyover, which will be in effect from midnight on July 19 till August 2.

The contractor, M/s Matte & Associates, initially planned to start the demolition work on Wednesday midnight to take advantage of the minimal traffic on Tekdi Road during that time. However, heavy rains on Wednesday evening caused water-logging, affecting the progress. Despite the challenges, MMRCL took minor steps towards the demolition below the flyover on Wednesday afternoon, with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Shelter Home on Manas Square being taken down.

The Tekdi Road flyover has been a subject of controversy due to issues with planning and hygiene conditions at the eateries beneath it, leading NMC to decide on its removal. With its demolition, a six-lane concrete road will be constructed from Jaistambh to Manas Square, and the unhygienic and traffic-congested conditions associated with the shops below the flyover will be eliminated.

Manas Square, being a connecting point for East-West vehicular traffic, will witness increased activity, which makes the demolition work challenging. Coordinating the work without disrupting traffic flow will be crucial, and officials have not yet provided traffic blocks on Tekdi Road to ensure a smooth process.

As per the notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Control Branch, vehicular traffic will be one-way strictly from Jaistambh Square to Manas Square, while traffic from LIC Square to Mayo Hospital can move in either direction without hindrance. There will be no issue with entry or exit from the popular western side of Nagpur railway station, but traffic from Morris College Square will need to move towards the tunnel at Manas Square and proceed to Cotton Market, as left turns are no longer allowed due to the blocked flyover entry on both sides. The notification will be in effect until August 2, 2023.