MLA seeks underpass and flyover to ease traffic on Nashik Road-Dwarka corridor

Nashik: Nashik Central MLA Devyani Pharande on Friday presented a memorandum to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding that the govt should approve and fund one flyover and one vehicular underpass at two different junctions on Dwarka - Nashik Road section of the Nashik-Pune national highway passing through the city.The Nashik Road–Dwarka stretch is one of the most important arterial roads in Nashik, witnessing heavy vehicular movement throughout the day. Thousands of residents depend on this road for their daily commute, particularly during the morning and evening hours.The road carries all types of vehicles, ranging from two-wheelers and cars to buses, trucks and trailers, making traffic management a major challenge. In view of the increasing congestion on this busy corridor, Central Nashik MLA Devyani Pharande has urged the govt to sanction infrastructure projects that could help improve traffic flow in the area."I have proposed the construction of an underpass at the busy Kathegalli junction, which is known for frequent traffic bottlenecks. I also have sought approval for a flyover at the Bodhale Nagar crossroad, another key junction on the route that witnesses heavy congestion, especially during peak hours," the MLA said."These projects would help streamline vehicular movement and significantly reduce delays faced by commuters on a daily basis," she added.Residents say that traffic congestion on the Nashik Road–Dwarka stretch has worsened over the years due to the rapid growth of the city and the increasing number of vehicles on the road."Simply widening the road is not going to provide a solution as there are huge residential pockets on either side of the road. The authorities should focus on better traffic management measures, including segregation of different types of vehicles to ensure smoother flow," Ramesh Dhotre, a regular commuter, said."The best part of the traffic management would be to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles during the daytime. The same can be resumed after we get the flyover," Gayatree Bhalerao, a resident of Nashik Road, said.