04-05-2025
Underground cable work turns Ashok Square, Baidyanath Square into crater maze
1
2
Nagpur: Large pits dug by
Mahatransco
(Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company) at
Ashok Square
and
Baidyanath Square
have become a serious problem for citizens and local shopkeepers. These pits, meant for constructing RCC chambers to connect underground cables from the Jattarodi substation, pose grave
safety risks
to motorists as well as pedestrians. Shockingly, no safety arrangements like barricades or guards are in place at these sites.
At Ashok Square construction is also underway for a flyover and a protective wall along the Nag river, further compounding the traffic chaos. As a result of the ongoing infra works, four shopkeepers in the area find themselves virtually trapped inside their shops, unable to operate their businesses.
A 132 kV substation is currently being built in Jattarodi. Due to overload issues at the Besa substation, authorities are now linking eight substations to ensure a more balanced power supply. This involves laying underground cables across several kilometres. At every 500m interval, excavation is carried out to install secure cable-joining chambers. Although cable-laying work was completed at Ashok Square and Baidyanath Square, the construction of RCC chambers is still in progress.
However, the large, swimming pool-like pit at Ashok Square has disrupted daily business for shopkeepers, and at Baidyanath Chowk, the pit presents a serious accident hazard. What's most alarming is the complete absence of safety measures at both locations.
Mahatransco obtained cable-laying permission from NMC's hotmix plant department. Several notices have been sent to the company urging them to complete the work promptly. Last year, similar negligence while laying cables at Jagnade Square caused major inconvenience to citizens during the monsoon. NMC officials now plan to send another letter directing Mahatransco to finish the work without delay.
NMC's Gandhibagh zone executive engineer, Sachin Rakshamwar, said: "Several reminders have already been sent. We will issue another directive soon to ensure speedy completion of work."
A senior official from the Project Department, Mahatransco, clarified that the work to link the Jattarodi 132 kV substation with eight others is ongoing. "We aim to complete the work within a month and will issue instructions to improve on-site safety," the official claimed.
Previously, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) imposed a hefty fee for road excavation and restoration. But Mahavitaran and Mahatransco moved state govt over the fee. Three years ago, a compromise was brokered by the state, resulting in an agreement where utility companies would pay NMC only Rs100 per metre for digging, laying cables, and repairing roads. The low fee has reportedly encouraged widespread negligence by power companies across the city.
