Nashik's Massive Outer Ring Road Project Gets Rs 3,954 Crore Administrative Approval
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) has taken a decisive step towards transforming the city's traffic infrastructure by granting administrative approval for a colossal Rs 3,954 crore outer ring road project. This approval was formalized during a crucial review meeting chaired by Nashik Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam on Tuesday.
Project Specifications and Strategic Importance
The proposed outer ring road is a monumental 69.15-kilometer corridor designed to encircle Nashik city. It will commence from the DRDO Junction on NH-60, loop around the urban area, and reconnect to the same national highway corridor. The authority had previously sanctioned the acquisition of land necessary for this ambitious undertaking.
The engineering blueprint for this four to six-lane expressway is comprehensive and includes:
- Five major bridges to span significant geographical features.
- Two railway over-bridges to ensure uninterrupted rail and road traffic flow.
- Eight vehicular underpasses to facilitate smooth cross-movement.
- Dedicated service roads for local access.
This infrastructure will seamlessly integrate with four national highways and four state highways, creating a robust regional transport network. NTKMA officials emphasize that the primary objective is to drastically reduce chronic traffic congestion within Nashik's city limits. The project is strategically timed to ensure seamless regional mobility, particularly during the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela and for decades beyond.
State Government Assumes Full Financial Responsibility
In a significant development, Public Works Department Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale provided detailed financial clarifications during the state assembly session on Tuesday. Responding to queries from MLAs Saroj Ahire and Seema Hiray, the minister disclosed that the Maharashtra government will bear the entire project cost of Rs 7,613.47 crore.
This total cost is bifurcated into two major components:
- Rs 3,659.47 crore allocated specifically for land acquisition.
- Rs 3,954 crore earmarked for the civil construction works, which received the NTKMA's administrative approval.
Minister Bhosale noted a pivotal shift in funding strategy. While the central government was initially expected to contribute funds for the road construction, the urgent need to complete the outer ring road ahead of the Kumbh Mela prompted the state to take full financial responsibility. The state has committed the Rs 3,954 crore required for the construction phase to expedite the project.
Addressing Compensation Concerns for Landowners
The assembly discussion also highlighted critical concerns regarding fair compensation for affected landowners. MLAs Ahire and Hiray raised pointed complaints, asserting that farmers were not receiving adequate compensation for their acquired land. They advocated strongly for maximum and uniform compensation packages for all land-affected persons and farmers.
In response, Minister Bhosale assured the legislative house that the government would proactively engage with the state revenue department and approach Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to secure special compensation for those impacted by the 69.5-km outer ring road project. This commitment aims to address social equity concerns alongside the massive infrastructure development.
The approval of the Nashik outer ring road marks a watershed moment for the city's urban planning. By combining a state-funded construction push with attention to landowner welfare, the project seeks to balance rapid infrastructure development with social responsibility, setting a critical foundation for Nashik's growth and its preparedness for the grand Kumbh Mela congregation.
