Nagpurians use Metro pillar numbers as address markers

Nagpur: In a sign of how mega infrastructure projects can influence a city's cultural and social milieu, the Metro pillars are becoming landmarks in their own right. Nagpurians are getting creative with the new infrastructure, adopting Metro pillar numbers as landmarks for addresses — a trend that originated in New Delhi and has gained traction in the city too.
"No, not the fourth lane… Do you see the XYZ grocery shop?" Such conversations are a thing of the past now along Metro stretches. While Google Maps does help in navigation, traditional address markers like prominent buildings are often lacking in clarity in fast developing areas, like Hingna Road, Ambazari, and Wardha Road, making Metro pillars a reliable alternative.
Tejinder Singh Renu, president of the Nagpur Residential Hotel Association, acknowledges the growing trend. "I have interacted with people who use Metro pillar numbers to navigate. While it's not very useful for my home, which is off the main road, it's extremely helpful for my hotel, which is on the roadside. Established roads like Central Avenue, which predate the Metro, haven't seen much change, but along stretches like Ambazari and Wardha Road, pillar number references are widely used."
However, some residents claim that the shift is visible even on Central Avenue. Akhilesh, a resident of Bajaj Nagar, said, "A relative sent a parcel from Pune to Nagpur, which was to be delivered to a packaging company on Central Avenue, at Mahal. Since I'm not a regular commuter in that area, I asked their agent for directions. He immediately said, ‘Sir, just look for pillar number X — it's right in front of that.' It saved me so much time and hassle. Metro pillar numbers are really proving to be helpful."
Since Metro pillars are sequentially numbered and prominently placed, they provide a clear point of reference. Auto drivers, delivery personnel, and commuters frequently use them to give directions, reducing confusion.
Vivek Jibhkate, a resident of Mahal, shares his experience. "Our home isn't directly on the main road, but being near a Metro pillar makes navigation easier. Online maps often suggest a longer route, so we just tell delivery agents or guests to come to the nearest Metro pillar and take the right turn from there and voila!"
Even Metro officials have witnessed this shift. A senior MahaMetro official recalls an amusing incident: "A friend invited me to his showroom inauguration on Hingna Road and casually mentioned that it was ‘opposite pillar number 79'. For a moment, I was confused, but then he clarified he meant the Metro pillar — and jokingly said I, of all people, should have figured it out instantly!"
As Nagpur continues to expand, Metro pillar numbers may become an integral part of urban navigation, offering a practical solution to locating addresses in the city.