NHAI Unveils Ambitious Plan for Eight-Lane Road Linking Talegaon to Shikrapur

In response to the hazardous conditions on the existing two-lane road spanning 54 km between Talegaon Dhabade-Chakan and Shikrapur, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is set to transform the route into an eight-lane road, including a four-lane elevated section. The decision comes as the current infrastructure struggles to accommodate the escalating traffic volume, particularly from industrial heavy vehicles.

NHAI recently issued a tender for the project following a comprehensive survey report, acknowledging the pressing need for a significant upgrade. The existing two-lane road has gained notoriety as a "killer stretch," with a history of fatal accidents reported in recent years, according to NHAI officials.

Sanjay Kadam, NHAI Pune project director, affirmed that the tender process is already underway, stating, “The work will be allocated once we complete the tender process which is underway already. The project is crucial for Talegaon, Chakan and Ranjangaon MIDC pockets are in Maval, Khed and Shirur tehsils.”

Expressing the urgency of the situation, Sanjay Shinde, joint commissioner of the Pimpri Chinchwad police, emphasized that the road expansion is essential. He remarked, “The expansion of the stretch between Chakan and Talegaon Dhabade is the need of the hour. It has become a herculean task for traffic personnel to manage the flow on it.”

Shinde highlighted the challenges faced during peak hours, leading to traffic congestion that hampers the movement of industrial buses and vehicles. The road expansion aims to address these issues and enhance overall traffic management on the crucial stretch.

Dilip Batwal, the secretary of the Federation of Chakan Industry, emphasized the need for prioritizing the project. He urged NHAI to initiate the work promptly, taking into account the concerns of industrial representatives who have raised the issue consistently over the past few years.

A senior manager from a private firm highlighted the impact of traffic congestion on employee schedules. “Often, our employees do not reach on time due to traffic congestion. On some days, we have let our employees go early for hassle-free return journeys. The road conditions are poor as it does not have several road safety measures. Travelling on the stretch is challenging for the workers," the manager stated.

Janardhan Bhadale, an industrial employee from the Chakan MIDC, emphasized the safety concerns associated with the stretch, particularly the absence of street lights. He called for swift action from NHAI, stating, “The stretch is not safe for the commuters as it does not have street lights. Travelling in the night is risky. Many employees have died in accidents on the stretch. The NHAI should initiate the work at the earliest.”

ET