Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved the construction of a 2.5-kilometre-long development plan (DP) road from Kasarwadi Bridge to Dapodi Bridge. The project, designed to run parallel to the railway line, aims to provide a much-needed alternative route to ease vehicular load on the saturated Dapodi–Nigdi stretch.
Officials from PCMC confirmed that the road will connect Kasarwadi, Phugewadi, and Dapodi — areas that currently experience severe traffic pressure due to limited arterial connectivity. Once completed, the new route is expected to streamline internal traffic flow and cut travel time significantly, benefitting both daily commuters and local residents. According to the civic body’s development blueprint, the proposed 18-metre-wide road was already reserved between Nashik Phata and Dapodi Bridge. With administrative approvals secured, implementation work has now gained momentum. The civic administration has completed the process of appointing consultants, following a rigorous technical and financial evaluation.
Among eight participating agencies, three were shortlisted, with Swaraj Engineering Consultancy emerging as the top-scoring firm. The agency has been finalised to prepare the detailed project report and tender documents. As per officials, the consultancy will be remunerated at a 1.68 per cent fee of the project cost, covering both pre-tender and post-tender services. Parts of the road have already been constructed in sections from Hirabai Landge Chawl to Harris Bridge in Dapodi. However, land acquisition for remaining portions, including segments passing through the Phugewadi cemetery area, is currently in progress. Once land-related procedures conclude, tenders for civil construction will be floated.
PCMC engineers noted that this project will serve as a crucial parallel artery to the existing highway stretch, helping disperse traffic volume from the Dapodi–Nigdi corridor. They added that such urban mobility projects are central to building sustainable and liveable cities, where infrastructure is designed around ease of access, reduced emissions, and commuter convenience. Urban planners have welcomed PCMC’s move, citing that local-level road infrastructure is often the most effective way to cut down fuel wastage and vehicular idling — two major contributors to urban carbon emissions. Improved traffic flow can also enhance road safety, improve air quality, and contribute to overall urban resilience.
Once completed, the Kasarwadi–Dapodi DP road will not only provide relief to congested junctions but also support Pimpri-Chinchwad’s broader goal of creating a more efficient, equitable, and eco-friendly transport network.
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