The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to initiate a crucial step for a major infrastructure upgrade in North Maharashtra. The work on preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the concrete four-laning of the Kopargaon-to-Malegaon highway will commence shortly. This significant project, passing through the towns of Yevla and Manmad in Nashik district, also includes a vital study for constructing a bypass around Yevla town to decongest its internal roads.
Project Details and Public Demand
An official from the NHAI confirmed that the authority has hired a consultancy firm to prepare the comprehensive project report. This report will not only outline the plan for four-laning the entire stretch but will also study the feasibility of building the Yevla bypass. The DPR will present various options, associated costs, and the projected impact of the project, forming the basis for all future actions.
The move comes in response to persistent demands from local citizens and leaders. The road through Yevla, a key junction where the Nashik–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Kopargaon–Malegaon highways intersect, is notorious for congestion. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal specifically advocated for a bypass route via Babhulgaon–Angangaon–Paregaon to divert heavy vehicles away from the city center.
Strategic Importance and Current Status
This highway is a critical artery connecting north and west Maharashtra, witnessing a heavy flow of commercial vehicles. The section passing through Yeola city is lined with shops and markets, leading to frequent traffic snarls. These jams cause immense inconvenience to commuters and pedestrians and have been a contributing factor to accidents.
The highway's administrative status has recently changed. The toll plaza at Pimpalgaon Jalal has been shut down after its term expired, and the road is now officially under the NHAI's jurisdiction. It is designated as the Kopargaon–Yeola–Manmad–Malegaon NH-160H and NH-752G.
Connectivity and Expected Benefits
Yevla's strategic location connects it to major cities like Nashik, Malegaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Ahilyanagar, with further connectivity to Pune via Ahilyanagar. The proposed four-laning and bypass project aims to:
- Streamline long-distance and inter-city travel.
- Reduce traffic congestion and accident risks in Yevla and Yeola.
- Boost regional economic activity by improving freight movement.
- Enhance road safety for all users.
The commencement of the DPR marks the first concrete step towards realizing this much-needed infrastructure development, promising smoother and safer journeys for thousands of daily travelers.
