NAGPUR: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to work out the modalities of extending the proposed Chinchbhuvan to Khapri flyover up to Butibori. If materialized, it will be the longest flyover in Vidarbha.
Gadkari held a review meeting regarding two projects — proposed flyover on Wardha Road and one from Indora Chowk to Dighori — with the officials of NHAI a day ago.
On the occasion, consultant engaged for preparing detailed project report (DPR) along with NHAI officials made a detailed presentation on the proposed flyover on Wardha Road.
TOI was the first to report on February 26 about Gadkari’s plan to construct a flyover from Chinchbhuvan to Khapri for easing traffic.
In the meeting, Gadkari reportedly directed the officials to extend the flyover up to Butibori for facilitating seamless drive out of the city. “Earlier plan was to construct a flyover on Wardha Road up to Khapri in view of the increased population at Chinchbhuvan, Khapri, mushrooming of several restaurants, oil depot etc. In coming days, other localities on Wardha Road towards Butibori are likely to expand. Therefore, it would be prudent to plan flyover up to Butibori keeping in mind the possible expansion in next one or two decades,” Gadkari said.
Gadkari also directed the NHAI officials to plan interchanges on the flyover. “Two flyovers of MIHAN and Outer Ring Road are existing on Wardha Road. Also, there is a railway over bridge (RoB) before Butibori. MahaMetro too has planned extension of Metro Rail from MIHAN to Butibori. Therefore, NHAI officials should hold meeting with MahaMetro officials, MIHAN etc and plan the project accordingly,” he said.
Since he became minister for road transport and highways, Gadkari has sanctioned a series of flyovers in and around the city. He was also instrumental in having second lane of ROB at Chinchbhuvan followed by flyover to bypass Butibori MIDC T-point on Wardha Road. He has also ensured flyover starting from Ajni Square to Airport T-point. Vehicles coming into the city from nearby districts and states and vice-versa will have seamless drive if the new project materializes.
NHAI officials told TOI, “Six-lane flyover is being planned along the flyover constructed at Butibori MIDC T-point. The new flyover can easily be connected with the existing one.”
Also, with the help of funds sanctioned by Gadkari, Wardha Road is being concretized from RBI Square to Chinchbhuvan.