The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has announced plans to upgrade all major traffic junctions along the 6.4-kilometer Dwarka Circle-Datta Mandir stretch of the Nashik-Pune highway. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and enhance commuter safety. Five key intersections will be redesigned in accordance with the Indian Roads Congress guidelines.
This move coincides with the widening of the busy corridor from six lanes to ten lanes, estimated to cost Rs 220 crore. NMC officials emphasize that improved junction design is essential to ensure smoother traffic flow once the project is completed. The five major junctions identified for redesign are Kathe Galli, Vijay Mamta signal, Canal Road, Upanagar, and Datta Mandir. Several smaller intersections are also likely to be upgraded as part of the plan.
NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri stated that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has already approved the expansion. "Along with road widening, we are focusing on proper junction design to ensure there is no congestion on this crucial route, especially in view of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela," Khatri said. She added that land acquisition is nearing completion. "Nearly 95% of the required land has already been acquired, while the remaining 5% will be acquired soon. Actual road work is likely to begin in June, and the project is expected to be completed within a year," she explained.
The Dwarka-Nashik Road stretch is one of the city's busiest corridors, handling heavy intercity and regional traffic towards Pune, Shirdi, and the Sinnar industrial belt, in addition to significant local movement. A dense cluster of commercial establishments along the route further contributes to frequent bottlenecks. Officials said the upgraded corridor is expected to handle nearly double the current traffic volume, significantly reducing congestion and travel time.
With lakhs of pilgrims expected during the Kumbh Mela, the civic body plans to closely monitor execution to ensure timely completion. Authorities added that beyond the religious event, the project is intended as a long-term infrastructure upgrade to support the city's expanding transport network.
