Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad are expressing growing frustration over the dilapidated state of the Nigdi-Pimpri service road, which has become a daily ordeal due to numerous damaged chambers and potholes. Commuters navigating this stretch have highlighted a significant height difference between newly laid road surfaces and older drainage chambers, creating hazardous conditions. The issue has persisted for months, exacerbated by ongoing infrastructure work including metro extension projects and pipeline installations.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) faces mounting pressure to address the deteriorating road conditions. While some repair work has been undertaken, the pace and quality have been insufficient to meet the demands of the increasing vehicular traffic. Reports indicate that the metro construction, particularly the extension of the Purple Line from Pimpri to Nigdi, has extensively damaged the service road and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. This work involves digging up the road to erect pillars and construct the viaduct, leading to further degradation.
Several commuters have voiced their concerns about the safety risks posed by the damaged road. The presence of large, disoriented chamber holes and potholes creates regular congestion, particularly during peak hours. School buses and public transport vehicles frequently use this narrow service road, raising fears of serious accidents involving children. Residents have called for better planning and coordination between the PCMC and Maha Metro authorities to ensure regular road maintenance is integrated with long-term infrastructure projects.
Past efforts to address road infrastructure in the region include a Rs 5.5 crore project by PCMC in October 2019 to repair service roads and footpaths along the Pune-Mumbai highway, covering the stretch from Nigdi to Dapodi. More recently, in December 2024, PCMC announced plans for an “Urban Street Design” project with an allocation of ₹170 crore to transform the Dapodi-Nigdi route, aiming to create uniform footpaths, cycle tracks, and enhance beautification. However, these initiatives seem to have had limited impact on the immediate problems faced by commuters on the Nigdi-Pimpri service road.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has also approved the development of the Dapodi-Nigdi road, a vital route intended to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in the rapidly urbanizing industrial township. This project includes appointing expert consultants and covers the development of roads within industrial premises, reflecting a broader commitment to infrastructure improvement. Despite these broader development plans, the immediate concerns regarding the safety and usability of the Nigdi-Pimpri service road remain a significant issue for local residents and commuters.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
