In a move aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing road safety, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), in partnership with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has launched a major service road widening project along National Highway 48 within PCMC limits.

The initiative involves widening over 10 kilometres of existing service roads on both sides of the highway. According to NHAI’s development plan, the current 12-metre-wide service road will be expanded by an additional 12 metres, resulting in a total width of 24 metres. The new road infrastructure will include dual-lane carriageways, underground drainage systems, pedestrian footpaths, and clearly marked entry and exit points.

The construction and future maintenance will be handled by NHAI, with the aim of accommodating higher traffic volumes while improving safety for local commuters.

Bapu Gaikwad, Executive Engineer of the Roads, Traffic & Transportation Planning Department at PCMC, stated that 80 per cent of the required land has already been acquired. He emphasised that the focus is currently on shifting the existing service roads, a critical step undertaken before starting flyover construction to minimise disruption.

To facilitate land acquisition, PCMC is organising dedicated camps for property owners whose land is yet to be obtained. These camps aim to address grievances and coordinate closely with NHAI to ensure timely progress.

Local residents have expressed support for the project. "The narrow service roads cause daily delays, especially during rush hours. This upgrade will greatly help regular commuters like me," said Pratik Gurav.

Despite overall approval, concerns persist regarding the displacement of roadside vendors and affected landowners. PCMC officials have reassured that a structured rehabilitation and compensation policy, in accordance with government guidelines, is being finalised.

Once completed, the widened 24-metre service roads are expected to ease traffic flow, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance commuter safety along one of Maharashtra’s busiest highway corridors.