Curation Team
NAGPUR: The construction of Nagpur Metro‘s Phase II has hit a fresh roadblock, with MahaMetro facing an acute shortage of naturally available sand. The scarcity has forced the agency to partially halt certain works across all four stretches, slowing down the overall pace of progress.
Top MahaMetro sources confirmed that the stock of riverbed sand available for ongoing construction activities has almost depleted, with the remaining quantity expected to last only a few days. “The supply of sand has been inconsistent, and our existing stock is nearly exhausted. Some portions of work had to be stopped midway because of this,” said a senior MahaMetro official.
Officials revealed that the impact of the shortage was delayed due to the prolonged rain, which had already slowed down construction activity. Following that, the Diwali holidays and Chhath Puja further reduced on-ground activity as many labourers went on leave. With work now resuming at full capacity, the sand shortage has again come into sharp focus, prompting officials to explore quick alternatives.
MahaMetro officials, however, maintained that the situation is under control and alternative arrangements are being finalised. “We are confident that full-scale construction will resume soon,” said a senior source.
Efforts to address the crisis have been underway for the past 15 days. Senior officials said they are evaluating substitute materials and alternative sources of sand to keep construction going. “We are considering options such as M-sand (manufactured sand) and crushed sand, which is produced by crushing stones and other natural materials,” said a senior official, adding that safety and durability tests are being conducted before large-scale use.
Nagpur district, along with several parts of Maharashtra, has been grappling with a persistent shortage of naturally available sand for weeks. The scarcity has disrupted multiple infrastructure and construction projects — from residential developments to major public works.
Recently, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that Maharashtra’s sand shortage is expected to ease within the next 15 days. He informed that the revenue department has completed preparations for the auction of 350 sand ghats, while over 500 sand depots have already been made operational across the state. The shortage, he said, was temporary and caused by the annual three-month ban on sand excavation (June 30–September 30) mandated by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Bawankule added that the government is expediting efforts to promote artificial sand production under the state’s M-Sand Policy to reduce dependence on natural sources. “Each district has been permitted to start 50 M-Sand crusher units, and district collectors have been authorised to facilitate their establishment,” he said, adding that the initiative will serve as a long-term, sustainable alternative to natural sand mining.
