Nagpur’s Cement Roads: Progress or Problems?

thenewsdirt
Mar 3
5 min read

Construction workers in a busy city street in Nagpur laying pavement. Cement trucks, cranes, and vehicles surround. Trees and buildings line the road. — Nagpur’s Cement Roads: Progress or Problems?

Nagpur has been undergoing a massive transformation in recent years, with kilometres of roads being rebuilt using cement instead of asphalt.

On the surface, it seems like a positive change, but the experience of residents and daily commuters paints a more complex picture.

While these roads promise durability and reduced maintenance, they have also brought new challenges that have left many questioning whether they are a long-term benefit or a problem waiting to unfold.

The shift has been met with both praise and frustration. Some find relief in the smoother drive, free from the constant need for repairs.

Others point to flooding, traffic congestion, and increased temperatures as unintended consequences.

As work continues across the city, the true impact of this infrastructural shift is becoming increasingly evident.

The Strength of Cement Roads and Their Construction Challenges

Cars and buses move on a Nagpur city highway divided by greenery. A blue tanker and motorbikes navigate the road. Urban setting, sunny day. — The Strength of Cement Roads

One of the key reasons behind the large-scale adoption of cement roads in Nagpur is their longevity.

Unlike asphalt, which deteriorates quickly due to heat and rain, cement roads can last for decades with minimal repairs.

Reports suggest that well-constructed concrete roads can remain intact for up to fifty years, significantly outlasting traditional bitumen surfaces.

However, durability depends on proper construction. Some roads in the city have already shown signs of poor workmanship, with cracks and uneven surfaces emerging within a few years of being laid.

An investigation into one such case found that essential reinforcement materials were not used, leading to an early breakdown of the surface. This raises concerns about whether cost-cutting measures and hurried project execution might compromise the benefits that concrete roads offer.

Another aspect that has sparked debate is the construction process itself. Unlike asphalt, which can be re-laid relatively quickly, concrete requires a longer setting period.

As a result, many roads remain blocked for weeks or even months, causing inconvenience to commuters and businesses.

Some areas have had to endure prolonged construction phases, with roads left incomplete, forcing vehicles to navigate through temporary gravel paths. This has led to increased dust levels, affecting both visibility and air quality.

For those who rely on daily travel, these disruptions have made movement through the city frustrating. Public transport users, cyclists, and pedestrians have been particularly affected, as footpaths and crossings often remain inaccessible during the extended construction period.

Traffic and Daily Commutes: A Mixed Experience

Busy Nagpur street scene with cars, buses, and motorcycles navigating a construction zone. Red and white barriers; sunny day with bustling activity. — Traffic and Daily Commutes: A Mixed Experience

Once a cement road is completed, the driving experience improves significantly. Potholes, which were once a persistent problem on Nagpur’s streets have been reduced in major areas.

This results in smoother rides, reduced damage to vehicles, and potentially lower maintenance costs for motorists.

Heavy vehicles, such as buses and trucks, also benefit from sturdier surfaces, as cement roads can withstand greater loads without deforming.

However, the ongoing construction has created considerable congestion. Roadworks have led to lane closures, forcing vehicles into narrower sections and causing bottlenecks.

In some areas, unfinished roads have left drivers struggling through half-completed lanes, increasing the risk of accidents. The combination of dust, uneven surfaces, and limited space has made travel unpredictable, particularly during peak hours.

Pedestrians and cyclists have found the situation even more challenging. Many footpaths have been removed or blocked due to construction, pushing people onto busy roads.

With a lack of temporary provisions, those walking or cycling have been left to navigate unfinished surfaces, increasing the likelihood of mishaps.

Businesses located along these roads have also faced difficulties, with restricted access leading to lower foot traffic and a decline in sales.

Commuters who use public transport have had to adjust to longer journey times, as buses are frequently caught in traffic caused by roadwork diversions.

Auto-rickshaw drivers have voiced concerns over vehicle wear and tear, as navigating through incomplete stretches of road adds to their maintenance costs.

While the long-term goal of better roads is widely accepted, the daily struggles faced during the transition have been a point of contention for many residents.

Environmental and Urban Impact

People walk through a flooded Nagpur street in heavy rain, holding umbrellas. Vehicles are partially submerged. Elevated train and buildings in view. — Environmental and Urban Impact

Beyond immediate travel concerns, the shift to cement roads has also had noticeable effects on the city’s environment.

A major concern is the way these roads influence water drainage. Since cement does not absorb water like asphalt, heavy rainfall leads to rapid runoff.

In areas where the road level has been raised without adjusting drainage systems, rainwater has flowed into homes and low-lying localities, causing widespread flooding.

During monsoon seasons, these waterlogging issues have intensified. Residents in several areas have reported that their homes, which had never experienced flooding before, are at risk due to poor drainage planning.

Some have had to take measures such as installing water barriers or regularly clearing out accumulated water from their properties.

Another environmental consideration is the impact of concrete on city temperatures. Many residents believe that the growing presence of cement roads has contributed to Nagpur’s rising heat levels.

Unlike asphalt, which absorbs some heat, concrete reflects sunlight more intensely, making surrounding areas feel hotter.

While some studies suggest that this could reduce road surface temperatures during the day, others indicate that concrete retains heat for longer periods, potentially making nights warmer.

Concerns have also been raised about the loss of green spaces. In several places, trees that once lined the roads have been removed to make way for construction.

Without proper shade, these areas have become hotter, further contributing to discomfort for pedestrians and commuters.

Calls for replanting initiatives or the inclusion of green patches along the new roads have gained momentum, with residents urging authorities to consider urban cooling strategies.

Public Perception and Concerns

Reactions to Nagpur’s cement road projects have been mixed. While many appreciate the effort to improve infrastructure, others feel that the execution has been rushed, leading to unintended consequences.

The most vocal criticism has come from those affected by flooding, who argue that the lack of proper planning has put their homes and businesses at risk.

Some have expressed frustration that their concerns were not considered before road levels were altered.

Businesses along affected streets have also raised issues about prolonged construction, which has impacted customer access.

Small shop owners, in particular, have reported a decline in sales due to restricted entry to their stores.

Amid these challenges, there have been growing calls for better coordination between city planners and local communities.

Many residents feel that while cement roads may offer long-term benefits, the way they are being introduced needs to be more structured.

Issues such as drainage, road height, and access need to be carefully evaluated before further projects are approved.

Despite these concerns, the push for more concrete roads in Nagpur is unlikely to slow down.

With authorities committed to expanding the project, discussions around improving construction quality and addressing environmental and urban challenges will likely continue.

For now, residents remain divided, some seeing these roads as a necessary step forward, while others question whether the trade-offs are worth it.