Pimpri: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to commence the development of additional service roads along NH-48 in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area, responding to the increasing traffic burden and long-standing demands from citizens. The project will enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and provide a sustainable road infrastructure solution for one of Pune’s busiest corridors.

The existing service road along NH-48 within the PCMC limits is currently 12 meters wide. As part of the upgrade, an additional 12-meter-wide service road will be newly developed, making the total width of the service road 24 meters. This expansion is crucial as NH-48, a key national corridor, has witnessed an exponential rise in vehicular movement due to rapid urbanization, especially in areas like Punawale, Bhumkar Chowk, Hinjewadi, and Balewadi.

The total carriageway in the PCMC area, including the highway and service roads, spans 60 meters, and on both sides of this, PCMC has an additional 12-meter Development Plan (DP) road, making the combined road width 84 meters. This integrated road network will provide a seamless flow of traffic, improving overall connectivity in the region.

The demand for better service roads has been consistently raised by various citizen forums, emphasizing the need for smoother travel, safety, and improved infrastructure. The deteriorating condition of existing service roads, coupled with waterlogging issues during monsoons, has led to frequent complaints from commuters and businesses operating along the highway.

Speaking on the development, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, "The NH-48 corridor through PCMC has become a major urban and commercial hub, leading to heavy traffic congestion. The new service roads will not only decongest the main highway but also ensure better access for local commuters and businesses. PCMC has already facilitated the necessary land acquisition, with 95% of the required land handed over to NHAI. This project is a much-needed infrastructure upgrade that will benefit the city in the long run."

The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 604.59 crore, will involve the construction of rigid concrete pavements to ensure durability, especially during monsoons, and a new stormwater drainage system to prevent waterlogging. With service roads playing a crucial role in traffic diversion for the upcoming NH-48 elevated corridor, this development is a critical step toward strengthening urban mobility in the region.

Once completed, the widened and upgraded service roads will significantly ease congestion, provide safer travel conditions, and support the overall economic growth of the area. 

Project details:

Total NH-48 carriageway in PCMC area: 60 meters

Additional DP roads on both sides: 12 meters each

Total combined road width: 84 meters

Service Road Expansion:

Existing width: 12 meters

Additional development: 12 meters

Final service road width: 24 meters

Key features of the project:

Rigid concrete pavement for durability

Advanced stormwater drainage to prevent waterlogging

Seamless connectivity for local commuters and businesses

Citizen demand and PCMC’s role:

Various citizen forums raised the need for better service roads

PCMC facilitated land acquisition, with 90% already handed over to NHAI

Project expected to reduce congestion and improve urban mobility

Major Junctions Covered:

Punawale, Bhumkar Chowk, Hinjewadi, Balewadi

Project Cost: Rs 604.59 crore