₹262 Crore Wait: Pune-Nashik Highway Expansion Delayed

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is awaiting ₹262 crore in funding from the Maharashtra state government to acquire the remaining land required for widening the Pune-Nashik highway within its jurisdiction. Although the civic body submitted its funding proposal in February, the request was not included in either the annual or supplementary state budgets.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed widening the highway to a uniform 60 meters. Currently, the highway varies in width, ranging from 45 meters in some sections to just 24 meters in densely populated areas such as Bhosari and Chakan. PCMC has already secured approximately 90% of the necessary land through development incentives like Floor Space Index (FSI) and Transferable Development Rights (TDR). However, the remaining landowners are demanding direct financial compensation, prompting the need for state assistance.

According to PCMC officials, land acquisition between Nashik Phata and Bhosari proceeded relatively smoothly due to much of the land belonging to government agencies such as the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the defence ministry. In contrast, acquiring land for the 12-kilometer stretch from Bhosari to the Indrayani River—entirely within PCMC limits—has been more complex and time-consuming.

In 2023, the Union Cabinet approved projects totaling ₹7,827 crore, including an eight-lane elevated corridor from Nashik Phata to Khed. NHAI has already begun the bidding process for this elevated section. PCMC is currently awaiting detailed plans indicating the locations of entry and exit points, which will help determine any additional land acquisition needs.

Last December, Shirur MP Amol Kolhe appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a letter urging swift action on land acquisition for the 30-kilometer elevated corridor. Kolhe referenced updates from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and NHAI officials, who noted delays caused by local land acquisition challenges. The ongoing delay in releasing the requested funds threatens to impede progress on this critical infrastructure project.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.