Five Entry-Exit Points Planned for 30-km Pune–Nashik Elevated Corridor

Pimpri Chinchwad, 25th August 2025: With the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) set to invite tenders for the Nashik Phata–Khed elevated corridor on Monday, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the district administration have directed departments to fast-track land acquisition.

A review meeting chaired by district collector Jitendra Dudi and PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase last week underlined the urgency of completing land measurement and handing over plots required for the project.

According to NHAI officials, about 14 hectares of land are needed, primarily for the proposed entry and exit points along the 30-km stretch. Most of the land falls under PMRDA limits. “The state government has assured that the acquisition will be completed before October. While the tendering and paperwork can go ahead, the contractor cannot begin actual work unless the land is in possession,” an NHAI official explained.

The ambitious project involves both widening the Pune–Nashik highway and constructing a 30-km elevated corridor, for which the Union government has approved a budget of ₹7,827 crore. Officials said the corridor will significantly ease congestion and improve connectivity to industrial hubs such as Chakan MIDC.

A senior PMRDA official said around 9.74 hectares spread across villages like Nanekarwadi, Waki Khurd, Waki Budruk, Chimbali, Kuruli, Medankarwadi, and parts of Chakan will need to be acquired from about 150 landowners. “We are exploring the use of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Space Index (FSI) to ensure a smoother process,” the official noted.

In Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits, plots in Bhosari and Moshi have been identified. A senior PCMC official said most of the required land has already been acquired using TDR and FSI. “Earlier this year, we also submitted a proposal to the state government seeking ₹262 crore for acquiring the remaining plots,” the official added.

NHAI officials confirmed that the corridor will feature five entry and exit points on either side.

However, challenges remain. Several landowners in Chakan have raised objections, claiming their plots were never legally acquired for earlier highway projects.

The district administration has indicated it will hold further talks with landowners to resolve disputes before moving ahead with acquisition.