Nashik Commuters Celebrate Proposed 10-Lane Expansion on Pune Highway
Daily commuters traveling the bustling route between Nashik Road and Dwarka on the Pune highway are expressing enthusiastic support for a proposed 10-laning initiative. This long-awaited infrastructure upgrade is seen as a crucial solution to alleviate persistent traffic struggles that have plagued motorists for years.
Key Chokepoints Causing Major Congestion
Persistent traffic jams at critical intersections—including Dwarka junction, Kathe Galli, Fame signal, Upnagar, and Datta Mandir—currently leave drivers exhausted and frustrated. Many residents believe that adding two lanes to each side of the existing road will provide the necessary capacity to manage the heavy vehicular load effectively.
Grade Separator at Dwarka Junction: A Game-Changer
A major highlight of the project is the construction of a grade separator at the notoriously chaotic Dwarka junction. Ravi Godse, a financial consultant from the Bodhlenagar area, explained, "Currently, numerous commuters opt for the Kathe Galli–Mumbai Naka stretch specifically to avoid the turmoil at Dwarka. Once the grade separator is operational, people are likely to return to the main junction, which should also reduce secondary pressure on Mumbai Naka."
Vulnerability to Disruptions on Critical Stretch
Motorists have pointed out that the section from Sinnar Phata to Dwarka is highly susceptible to disruptions. Even minor incidents like accidents or vehicle breakdowns can cause tailbacks extending one to two kilometers within minutes. Mohan Diwane, a resident of Nashik Road, noted, "On the stretch between Upnagar junction and Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, if a truck or bus breaks down by the roadside, it creates an immediate bottleneck. There is barely one lane left for moving traffic."
Official Confirmation of Infrastructure Inadequacy
Senior officials from the city's traffic branch have corroborated these public concerns, stating that the Pune highway infrastructure between Dwarka and Nashik Road has become insufficient for the current traffic volume. This official acknowledgment underscores the urgent need for the expansion project.
Heavy Vehicle Movement and Long-Term Solutions
Beyond the road widening, commuters have identified heavy-vehicle movement as a primary cause of gridlock. They suggest that while 10-laning is a positive step, providing an alternative bypass for trucks traveling between Sinnar and Dwarka would offer a more permanent solution to easing the burden on this urban thoroughfare.
The proposed 10-laning project represents a significant infrastructure investment aimed at transforming daily commutes, reducing travel time, and enhancing road safety for all users in the Nashik region.
