The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have announced the commencement of a comprehensive service road widening project along National Highway 48 (NH48) within the city’s jurisdiction.
Scheduled to begin in June, the project entails expanding the existing 12-meter-wide service roads to 24 meters, covering a stretch of over 20 kilometers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to decongest the main highway and improve overall traffic flow in the rapidly urbanizing industrial hub of Pimpri Chinchwad. A recent high-level review meeting, chaired by the PCMC Commissioner and attended by senior officials from both PCMC and NHAI, underscored the urgency of the project. The Commissioner emphasized the need for timely removal of encroachments, including unauthorized stalls and hoardings, that may obstruct the roadwork. He also highlighted the importance of integrating future-ready underground utilities such as sewerage, water pipelines, drainage, and electricity lines to ensure the sustainability of the upgraded infrastructure.
The detailed project plan, prepared by NHAI, includes the development of concrete footpaths for enhanced durability and advanced drainage systems to mitigate waterlogging issues, particularly during the monsoon season. The estimated cost for the project stands at ₹604.59 crore. The expansion of the service roads is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on NH48, providing smoother access for local traffic and improving overall traffic management in the area. The project also aims to facilitate better connectivity to key areas such as Punawale, Bhumkar Chowk, Hinjawadi, and Balewadi, which have witnessed exponential growth in vehicular movement due to rapid urbanization.
In addition to the service road widening, the total carriageway in the PCMC area, including the highway and service roads, will span 60 meters. On both sides of this, PCMC has planned 12-meter-wide Development Plan (DP) roads, bringing the combined road width to 84 meters. This integrated road network is poised to enhance overall connectivity and support the city’s long-term infrastructure development goals. The project has been met with optimism from local commuters and businesses, who have long advocated for the enhancement of service roads to boost accessibility and safety. The deteriorating condition of existing service roads, coupled with waterlogging issues during monsoons, has led to frequent complaints from residents and enterprises operating along the highway.
As the city continues to evolve into a major industrial and commercial hub, the successful execution of this project is seen as a critical step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient urban transportation network. The collaboration between PCMC and NHAI reflects a strong commitment to addressing the infrastructural challenges posed by rapid urbanization and ensuring the well-being of the city’s residents. The PCMC Commissioner has directed all relevant departments—including encroachment, drainage, water supply, licensing, electricity, and regional offices—to work in full coordination to ensure the timely completion of the project. This coordinated approach aims to minimize disruptions during the construction phase and deliver long-term benefits to the city’s transportation infrastructure.
With the groundwork set to commence in June, the NH48 service road widening project marks a significant milestone in Pimpri Chinchwad’s journey towards becoming a more connected, sustainable, and livable city.
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