The Public Works Department in Nashik has started major construction work at Saptashrungi ghat. This project involves building a new road and a parapet wall along the steep slopes. Due to this ongoing work, authorities have imposed significant restrictions on vehicular movement through the area.
Traffic Flow Now Follows Strict Timings
Only one lane of the entire carriageway remains open for traffic moving in both directions. This creates a challenging situation for drivers navigating the ghat section. The local administration has implemented a carefully planned schedule to manage the flow of vehicles safely.
Alternating One-Way System in Place
Vehicles ascending the ghat from the base at Nanduri will receive permission during even hours of the day. They get exactly thirty minutes to make their journey upward. After this window closes, traffic from Saptashrungi Gad gets its turn during odd hours. These descending vehicles also have a strict half-hour period to complete their trip down the mountain road.
Assistant Collector Karishma Sankhe, who serves as the sub-divisional officer of Kalwan in Nashik district, confirmed these arrangements. She emphasized that the PWD is carrying out this construction work with public safety as the top priority.
Detailed Daily Schedule Explained
A senior officer from the state public works department provided specific timing details. The morning cycle begins sharply at 6 am. Vehicles going upward can travel from 6 am to 6:30 am only. Immediately after that, the route closes to allow these vehicles to reach the summit safely.
Starting at 7 am, vehicles from Saptashrungi Gad receive permission to descend. This downward movement continues strictly until 7:30 am. Another thirty-minute window follows to let these vehicles clear the section completely.
At precisely 8 am, the cycle repeats itself. Vehicles from the base at Nanduri can begin their ascent again. This pattern continues throughout the day and night without interruption.
Restrictions Continue Until Mid-March
The officer confirmed that this cyclical timing system will remain in effect around the clock. The restrictions are scheduled to continue until March 15. This gives the PWD adequate time to complete the necessary construction work on the road and parapet wall.
Drivers planning to use Saptashrungi ghat during this period must account for these strict timing controls. The alternating one-way system requires careful planning to avoid getting stuck at either end of the restricted section. Local authorities advise checking current conditions before attempting the journey.
