Projects for pedestrians on Sitabuldi, Sakkardara lake roads show the way

Nagpur: Pilot projects launched at Sitabuldi main market and Sakkardara lake roads to make them vehicle-free, friendly for pedestrians and cyclists, and pollution-free have earned Nagpur a place among 11 cities in the country and three in the state that have bagged a prestigious award under Streets For People Challenge launched by the Central government under Smart City Project.
Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL)— Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) special purpose vehicle formed for execution of Smart City Project, had proposed pilot projects, prepared designs and came up with low cost interventions for the projects.
NSSCDCL in a press release said that over 100 cities working under Smart City Project had participated in the challenge. The two other two cities to bag the award in the state are Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad while Nagpur is the only city from Vidarbha to be selected for the honour.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had launched the challenge two years ago. MoHUA secretary Manoj Joshi announced awards in an online function organized in New Delhi on Monday. Director of Smart City Mission Kunal Kumar and CEOs of all SPVs including CEO of NSSCDCL Buveneswari S attended the programme online.
NSSCDCL will be presented the award and cash prize of Rs 50 lakh. “We are trying to make Nagpur a vibrant and happening city of the country. It is also necessary to make markets of the city more friendly for people, disciplined and safe in all aspects considering the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Buveneswari.
Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari and municipal commissioner Radhakrishnan B have congratulated the entire team of NSSDCL.
Team of NSSCDCL led by NSSCDCL general manager (Environment) Pranita Umredkar selected Sitabuldi main market road from Variety square to Loha Pul and the road along Sakkardara lake under the challenge.
Umredkar said a a lot of research at these markets in which opinions of hawkers, shop owners and customers were taken. “The survey conducted with the help of Sumit Asia revealed that Sitabuldi market is regularly visited by youngsters and middle-aged while senior citizens fear to step in there due to heavy traffic and congestion.
“Those covered in the survey said that the market will see more number of visitors if it is made vehicle-free. Accordingly, suggestions were also incorporated in the conceptual plan. The designs and low cost interventions planned by NSSCDCL were adjudged as best models for Streets For People initiative,” she said.
Low cost interventions such as road marking for pedestrians and service lane, seating arrangement and green nodes were implemented on the two roads selected under the challenge, as per Umredkar. “The proposed plan for the two streets revolves around achieving holistic design incorporating needs of all stakeholders and giving more importance to pedestrian,” she said.
NSSCDCL is likely to get funds for execution of the projects which will be replicated in other parts of the city after success of the pilot projects. The NSSCDCL will facilitate bicycles on rental basis, e-rickshaws for senior citizens, mark areas for hawkers, fix alignment for pedestrians, cyclists etc followed by development of parking spaces, bus stops, public toilets, seating arenas, recreational zones, green areas etc after the funds are sanctioned.
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CHALLENGE COMPLETED
* Central government launched Streets for People Challenge for over 100 cities implementing Smart City Project two years ago
* NMC’s SPV—NSSCDCL selected Sitabuldi Main market road and road along Sakkardara lake as pilot projects under the challenge
* NSSCDCL prepared designs and came up with low cost interventions to make these two roads friendly for pedestrians, cyclists while freeing them from vehicles and pollution
* Various types of amenities like bicycles on rent, e-rickshaws, seating arrangements, recreational and green zones proposed
* Dedicated spaces were planned for hawkers along with dedicated lanes for walking, cycling etc
* NSSCDCL also executed some minor works like marking lanes for pedestrians, cyclists etc
* MoHUA found designs and initiatives of NSSCDCL as one of the best
* NSSCDCL will get the award and cash prize of Rs 50 lakh
* Government will also give funds for execution of works of the two pilot projects
* Later, NMC and NSSCDCL will have to replicate works in other parts of the city