Nashik: With the monsoon season approaching and preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela gaining momentum, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has intensified its efforts to fast-track critical road works across the city. Officiating city engineer Ravindra Dharankar recently convened a review meeting with 18 contractors handling 28 Kumbh-related road projects, directing them to complete all repairs by May 27.
Meeting Follows Commissioner's Directives
The meeting was held following directives from municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri, who stressed the need to complete pre-monsoon works on priority to avoid disruption during the rainy season. Dharankar made it clear that contractors will be held accountable for delays, particularly in completing trench asphalting on both sides of roads and approach stretches.
Daily Monitoring and Traffic Management
Civic officials have mandated daily monitoring of progress, asking contractors to submit detailed reports on the number of trenches repaired and cumulative work completed. The administration has also flagged concerns over traffic management, noting that several roads currently have two-way traffic on single lanes due to ongoing works. Contractors were instructed to ensure that such diverted stretches remain motorable during the monsoon, with proper signboards and reflective markers installed for public safety.
Debris Clearance and Material Shortages
Officials raised concerns over construction debris and materials lying along roadsides, directing immediate clearance to prevent accidents during rain. Material shortages were discussed during the meeting, with some contractors pointing to limited availability of asphalt and diesel. The officiating city engineer advised them to coordinate among themselves to avoid disruptions and ensure continuity of work.
Local Resistance and Project Scope
Officials acknowledged that certain stretches are facing resistance from local residents and landowners. Contractors have been told to prioritise work on accessible sections to avoid delays. The NMC reiterated that timely completion of all Kumbh-related road works before the onset of monsoon is crucial to ensure smoother traffic flow and prevent civic inconveniences.
The public works department of the NMC has started work on 28 major roads in view of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The road projects are estimated to cost Rs 1,270 crore. Around half of the roads will be developed using concrete, while the others will be asphalted, with widening planned wherever feasible.
