Nashik Municipal Corporation Allocates Rs 135 Crore for Road Repairs After Utility Digging
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has announced a significant financial commitment of approximately Rs 135 crore for the current financial year to repair roads across the city that have been extensively dug up by various utility agencies, primarily the Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL). This move comes in response to mounting complaints from residents about the deteriorating condition of road surfaces, which have become uneven and hazardous following pipeline and other utility works.
Widespread Digging and Resident Inconvenience
MNGL has undertaken extensive digging operations in multiple areas of Nashik to lay piped natural gas (PNG) pipelines. While the agency has leveled the roads after completing its work, residents report that the surfaces remain uneven, causing considerable inconvenience. Additionally, other utility agencies have dug up large portions of roads for various projects. Although some trenches were filled post-completion, the patches were not properly leveled, leaving the roads in a poor state.
Commuters in key localities such as Panchavati division, Gangapur Road, Nashik Road, Nashik West, and adjoining areas have highlighted increasing difficulties. The uneven road surfaces slow down traffic and elevate the risk of skidding and accidents. Residents have also criticized the lack of coordination among different agencies, noting that repeated digging has severely damaged internal roads, especially in residential colonies.
Financial Provisions and Road Damage Charges
The NMC collects road damage charges from MNGL and other agencies for the digging activities. These funds are specifically earmarked for road repairs. For the current financial year 2025-26, a provision of Rs 60 crore was made, but these funds have not yet been utilized. Looking ahead, the NMC has allocated Rs 75 crore for the next financial year 2026-27 to continue repair works on roads affected by MNGL's activities.
Municipal Commissioner's Assurance on Repair Works
Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri addressed the issue, stating that agencies have been finalized through a tender process, and work orders have been issued to contractors for repairing the roads. The repair works are scheduled to be carried out over the next few months.
"Apart from the dug up roads, potholes are also to be repaired. The works will soon be undertaken in the city," Khatri said, emphasizing the NMC's commitment to improving infrastructure and addressing public concerns promptly.
