The Pune-Nashik Industrial Expressway connecting Pune, Ahilyanagar and Nashik districts is now gaining momentum, while the semi-high speed rail project still faces hurdles. The proposal for this expressway will soon be sent for government approval. Its construction will reduce the travel time from Pune to Nashik from five hours to only three hours.
The government approved the final design of this highway in February last year. This route will also connect to the Surat-Chennai highway, which will also benefit travelers from other states. Its detailed project report (DPR) and feasibility study have been completed, and now the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is going to submit it to the government for final approval.
This 133 km long expressway can be completed in three years, for which 1545 hectares of land will have to be acquired. The route will pass through Khed, Shirur, Ambegaon and Junnar in Pune district and Sangamner taluka in Ahilyanagar district. The project will boost economic development in industrial towns like Ahilyanagar and Nashik.
While the railway project is still awaiting final approval, the industrial expressway could significantly reduce travel time.
Key features of the expressway
12 big flyovers will be built over rivers and streams on the route. Apart from this, interchanges will be built at nine places, such as Chimbli, Chakan, Pabal (Pune) and Ahilyanagar, Rajuri, Khandarmal, Sakur, Machi, Kasare (Nashik). These will facilitate access to and from the expressway. Also, Shirdi Marg will be connected to it.
Use Of Railway Land?
In June last year, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar held a meeting on the project. He had directed to check whether the land proposed for semi-high speed rail can be used for expressway construction. Work is underway on this and the report is awaited.
Cost Of The Project
According to Ashok Bhalkar, Chief Engineer, Road Development Authority, the estimated cost of this 133 km long industrial expressway is Rs 28,429 crore. Construction work will start as soon as the cabinet approval is received.
