Nashik Industrial Bodies Escalate Demand for Concrete Road Upgrades
Industrial associations in Nashik have intensified their campaign, applying renewed pressure on the city's political and administrative leadership. They are demanding the immediate white-topping of all roads across the Satpur and Ambad industrial estates. This urgent call comes in response to the increasing movement of heavy vehicles and rapidly deteriorating road conditions, which industries report are severely disrupting logistics, causing vehicle damage, and hurting overall productivity.
Formal Submission to Municipal Authorities
The demand gained significant momentum after a delegation from the Nashik Industries & Manufacturers' Association (NIMA) recently met with Mayor Himgauri Aher and Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri at the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) headquarters. During this critical meeting, the delegation submitted a detailed memorandum. It specifically urges that all roads within the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zones of Satpur and Ambad—both under NMC jurisdiction—be upgraded to durable, long-lasting white-topped concrete roads.
Leadership and Economic Justification
Led by NIMA President Ashish Nahar, the delegation included Vice-President Manish Rawal and General Secretary Rajendra Ahire. They strongly emphasized that these two industrial estates serve as the backbone of Nashik's economy. Hosting thousands of manufacturing units, they contribute significantly to employment generation and provide substantial tax revenue for both the state and central governments.
Following the meeting, Nahar stated that industries have struggled with substandard road infrastructure for years, despite repeated appeals. "We have formally requested the mayor and the municipal commissioner to prioritize the white-topping of all industrial roads. The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 1,000 crore. Both officials have assured us they will approach the state government for the required funds. A formal proposal will be sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Industries Minister Uday Samant," he explained.
Urgency and Current Progress
NIMA Vice-President Manish Rawal highlighted the pressing urgency, citing the rising traffic volumes across these vital industrial corridors. He noted that an 8-kilometer stretch from Garware Point to Papaya Nursery via XLO Point—which links Satpur MIDC and Ambad MIDC—is already being converted into a white-topped road at a cost of Rs 175 crore, a project initiated ahead of the Kumbh Mela. "Of the total 68 kilometers of internal roads in both estates, only 8 kilometers have been approved for white-topping. The remaining 60 kilometers require immediate concrete surfacing," Rawal stressed.
Historical Context and Operational Challenges
In its memorandum, NIMA underscored that Satpur and Ambad have been central to Nashik's industrial growth over the past four decades. The association issued a warning that continued neglect of the internal road network poses serious operational challenges. With heavy multi-axle trucks, container carriers, and goods vehicles using these routes daily, the deteriorating condition is becoming a major impediment to business continuity and smooth operations.
Proposed Investment and Long-Term Benefits
NIMA's preliminary assessment suggests that the estimated Rs 1,000-crore investment would provide a sustainable, long-term solution. The association argues that white-topped roads would dramatically reduce ongoing maintenance costs, minimize transportation delays, and ensure the seamless movement of goods. This upgrade is projected to significantly improve overall industrial efficiency and competitiveness in the region.
Previous Efforts and Delayed Action
This is not the first time the issue has been raised formally. In July 2025, local MLA Seema Hiray moved a calling-attention motion in the state assembly, highlighting the poor condition of these critical roads. Responding to the motion, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal informed the House that the NMC had been instructed to prepare a detailed plan for white-topping roads in both industrial estates. However, nearly eight months later, the NMC has yet to produce the required blueprint, leading to frustration among industrial stakeholders.
