Riddled with potholes & uneven patches, Nashik Road flyover set for much-needed repairs

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to undertake major repair work on the Nashik Road flyover along the Nashik-Pune highway, with plans to asphalt the entire elevated stretch between Datta Mandir Junction and Sinnar Phata.For nearly a year, commuters have struggled with the flyover’s uneven and deteriorating surface. Despite expectations that repairs would be completed before the monsoon onset, the work had not begun, adding to public frustration.The traffic police said they had raised the issue with the civic body, following which NMC assured that resurfacing work would commence shortly.Built ahead of the 2003 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the flyover has since been a key arterial route connecting Nashik and Pune, witnessing heavy and growing traffic volumes. Regular commuters, however, have long complained about its poor maintenance. “The road remains riddled with potholes throughout the year, and the surface is consistently uneven. Repairs are usually done in patches and the asphalt washes away with the first rain spell,” Ashok Kharjul, a resident of Nashik Road, said.Motorists said the poor condition of the stretch often led to severe traffic congestion, as drivers slowed down to navigate the damaged surface, resulting in lengthy queues on the flyover.Assistant inspector Yatin Patil from the city traffic branch confirmed the upcoming repairs. “A comprehensive overhaul of the flyover surface is planned. NMC officials have assured us that work will begin soon and the entire stretch will be upgraded well before the forthcoming Kumbh Mela,” he said.An NMC official said the civic body had earlier carried out tarring work on the 1.2km flyover, including the ramps, but the surface developed uneven patches. “We have now decided to remove the uneven stretches and relay the surface with asphalt for the convenience of commuters. We are planning to complete the work before the monsoon,” the official added.