Nagpur Metro's Mobility Blueprint Nears Completion.

A significant step towards overhauling Nagpur's urban transport system was taken as the high-level committee, led by divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, held its second meeting on Friday to scrutinize the draft of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP).

The CMP, a collaborative effort between MahaMetro and Rail India Technical and Economic Service (Rites), outlines a long-term vision for an efficient, integrated, and sustainable mobility framework for the city.

"This was our second high-level review meeting. We received a detailed presentation encompassing all aspects of the plan from the preparing agencies. We have now requested all stakeholders to provide their final suggestions within the next week," stated Bidari. She further added that a conclusive meeting will be convened before the comprehensive plan is presented to the Chief Minister and other key government ministers in the near future.

Anilkumar Kokate, Director of Strategic Planning at MahaMetro, provided insights into the technical intricacies of the CMP. "The presentation was built upon extensive traffic survey data, thorough road network analysis, and valuable feedback previously received from various government departments. The plan incorporates crucial elements such as strategic locations for bus terminals, optimized traffic flow patterns, and identification of existing infrastructure gaps," Kokate explained.

A key proposal highlighted by Kokate involves a significant restructuring of intercity bus operations. The CMP suggests redirecting these buses to designated terminals on the city's outskirts instead of allowing them to enter the already congested urban core. This strategic move is anticipated to significantly reduce traffic pressure within the central areas and streamline the integration of various public transport modes.

The CMP also proposes enhanced coordination between different public transport systems operating in Nagpur, including city buses, metro lines, and shared mobility services. This comprehensive plan will serve as a blueprint not only for future infrastructure development but also for necessary policy and regulatory adjustments to effectively support the evolving mobility needs of the city. Kokate indicated that another final meeting with stakeholders is scheduled within the next month, following which the finalized proposal will be submitted to the Chief Minister and other concerned ministers for their approval.

The review meeting witnessed the active participation of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), MahaMetro, Public Works Department (PWD), Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Regional Transport Office (RTO), and various other relevant departments. The CMP presentation incorporated consolidated feedback from all participating entities, underscoring a collaborative approach in shaping the future of Nagpur's urban transport infrastructure.

With one more stakeholder consultation planned in the coming days, the Comprehensive Mobility Plan is expected to be finalized and presented to the Chief Minister and relevant ministers next month. The city administration views this plan as a foundational and transformative step towards modernizing Nagpur's urban transport landscape.