Bhopal: IETI–Piplani Road Shut Until November 17 for Metro Pillar Work

A roughly two-kilometre stretch of the main road between IETI Crossing and Piplani Petrol Pump Crossing in Bhopal has been closed to traffic from October 27 to November 17 so that Metro rail pillars can be built. Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the diversion was needed for the work and that he hoped it would be completed within the set period, after which barricades would be removed and vehicles could use the wider road.

The road is a key route for people travelling to and from Piplani, Ayodhya Nagar, Anand Nagar, Nizamuddin Colony, Kokta and Raisen Road. About four lakh residents are expected to be affected, and some commuters may have to travel several kilometres more.

Traffic on the corridor was already tight. Metro barricades had narrowed the road, leaving only one route open for vehicles in both directions before the closure. Some alternative routes are also being used by heavy vehicles, and preparations for the Army Day parade are underway on others, with rehearsals on several alternative roads due to begin on December 15. Officials expect the Metro work to be finished before then.

The closure also falls in the run-up to Diwali, when traffic around markets and commercial areas usually rises. The affected belt includes schools, colleges, private companies and busy markets.

Diverted routes include traffic from Prabhat Crossing towards JK Road, Minal and Piplani Petrol Pump Crossing; from Prabhat Crossing towards Govindpura and Awadhpuri; and from Piplani Petrol Pump Crossing back towards Prabhat Crossing. Traffic police have said they will take steps to prevent congestion on the diverted routes.

Commuters are advised to plan extra travel time and to check diversions before leaving, especially during peak office and school hours.