Nashik civic body proposes 2 more truck terminus projects

Nashik: The civic body, in order to ease traffic congestion and create dedicated parking infrastructure for heavy vehicles, has proposed two additional truck terminus projects at Chehedi and Pathardi — located on the outskirts of the city.The move is part of the Nashik Municipal Corporation's (NMC) broader preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, when vehicular movement is expected to rise significantly.A civic official, while talking to TOI, said the proposed facility at Chehedi will come up at the site of the old Octroi Naka, while another terminus is planned near the Pathardi area on the Mumbai side.The corporation has initiated the process of identifying suitable land for the Pathardi project, particularly in the vicinity of the Ambad MIDC area, which witnesses heavy movement of goods vehicles.The proposals come even as the NMC is moving ahead with its truck terminus project at Adgaon, which is being developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore.The civic body has already finalised the contractor through a tender process, and the standing committee of the NMC recently approved the proposal to issue the work order.Under the PPP model, the selected concessionaire will design, build, operate and maintain the Adgaon facility for a period of 30 years. In return, the NMC will receive an annual royalty of Rs90 lakh, with a provision for a 5% yearly rise during the concession period."Spread over nearly 30 acres, the Adgaon project aims to transform an existing dilapidated facility into a modern logistics hub catering to transporters and freight operators," the NMC official said.