The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to initiate extensive repairs on roads that were excavated by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) immediately after the model code of conduct for the MLC elections is lifted. Officials confirmed that contracts worth ₹135 crore will be awarded without any delay, with the costs being covered by road damage charges recovered from MNGL and other agencies.
Approval and Funding
NMC has already obtained standing committee approval to restore approximately 165 kilometers of damaged road stretches across the city. A senior NMC official stated, "We could not issue work orders due to the model code of conduct for the MLC polls. Once the code ends, we will immediately award contracts and ensure work begins at the earliest, especially considering the onset of the monsoon."
City engineer Sanjay Agrawal emphasized that the work would be taken up on priority. "The restoration of roads dug up by MNGL across Nashik will be taken up immediately after the code is lifted," he said.
Contractors and Work Scope
Around 36 contractors, finalized through a tender process, will undertake resurfacing of stretches damaged due to trenching for piped natural gas (PNG) pipelines. The roads will be relaid with asphalt to restore drivability and smoothness. MNGL has carried out extensive digging across the city for PNG pipeline work. While trenches were refilled, many stretches remain uneven, prompting complaints from residents about poor restoration and unsafe road conditions. Commuters in areas such as Panchavati, Gangapur Road, Nashik Road, and Nashik West have reported slow traffic and a higher risk of accidents due to potholes and poorly leveled surfaces.
Coordination Issues
Officials also flagged that multiple utility agencies have dug up roads across the city, often without coordination, resulting in repeated excavations and worsening road conditions.
Budget Allocation
The NMC has earmarked ₹75 crore in the 2026–27 budget and will utilize an additional ₹60 crore from unspent funds from 2025–26, bringing the total outlay to ₹135 crore.
Officials said the corporation aims to complete the repairs on priority to ensure safer and smoother commuting, particularly during the monsoon when damaged roads tend to worsen congestion and accidents.
