Chakan Residents Demand Immediate Traffic Solutions After Protests
Nearly a month after a protest march, Chakan residents are still struggling with traffic congestion and poor road conditions, urging authorities to take urgent action.
Traffic CongestionChakanPmrdaRoad InfrastructureIndustrial AreaReal Estate PuneNov 01, 2025
"Our protest march to the PMRDA office in Akurdi on October 9 was to highlight the traffic chaos. We also submitted a memorandum, but there has been no concrete action yet," Samiti member Kunal Kad said on Saturday. He added that the group plans to take a follow-up action next week.
Kad further noted that while the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has initiated minor repair works, other agencies seem to be inactive. "Poor road infrastructure, a lack of parking facilities, and the absence of coordination between PMRDA, the Public Works Department (PWD), and the local civic body continue to worsen congestion," he explained.
The PMRDA was appointed as the coordinating agency, but it has yet to bring all stakeholders together, Kad said, attributing the neglect to a lack of political will. Chakan and its adjoining industrial belt are among Maharashtra's top tax-contributing regions but lag behind cities like Nagpur by nearly a decade in infrastructure development. "Lives are at stake. During emergencies, doctors refuse to come because of traffic jams," Kad emphasized.
Local residents have described commuting through Chakan as unbearable, with gridlocks lasting hours during peak morning and evening traffic. Continuous rain through October has further damaged roads. "There isn't a single day I'm not stuck for over an hour on Talegaon-Shikrapur Road," said a Thergaon resident employed in the Chakan MIDC area.
Another commuter called the stretch a "death trap" due to potholes and frequent accidents. Kad mentioned that while several road projects have been proposed, deadlines are repeatedly missed. Ambethan Chowk, the junction linking Talegaon-Shikrapur Road and the Pune-Nashik stretch of National Highway 60, remains the worst bottleneck.
A senior PMRDA official stated that the authority has written to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the PWD to expedite pending works, but the proposals are still awaiting clearance.
The Federation of Chakan Industries has also sought intervention from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite the tender process for the proposed Rs 7,827-crore Nashik Phata-Rajgurunagar elevated road on the Pune-Nashik stretch of National Highway 60. In a letter sent on Saturday, federation CEO Dilip Batwal highlighted that traffic congestion has severely affected industrial operations in the Chakan belt.
Although the Union cabinet cleared the project in December 2023, tender opening has been delayed due to land acquisition issues. The Maharashtra government allocated funds for acquisition in May 2025 and promised completion by October. The tender was re-floated in August and has been postponed three times since then. It is now set for opening on November 23.
Industries have sought Gadkari's personal intervention to appoint a developer and start work urgently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main issue highlighted by the protest march in Chakan?
The main issue highlighted by the protest march was the severe traffic congestion and poor road conditions in the Chakan industrial area, which have been affecting residents and industrial operations.
What actions has the PMRDA taken so far?
The PMRDA has written to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite pending works, but the proposals are still awaiting clearance.
Why is the Nashik Phata-Rajgurunagar elevated road project important for Chakan?
The Nashik Phata-Rajgurunagar elevated road project is crucial for Chakan as it aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity on the Pune-Nashik stretch of National Highway 60, which is a major industrial corridor.
What are the reasons for the delays in the road projects?
The delays in the road projects are primarily due to land acquisition issues and the repeated postponement of tender openings.
How are local residents affected by the traffic situation in Chakan?
Local residents are significantly affected by the traffic situation in Chakan, with gridlocks lasting hours during peak times, damaged roads, and frequent accidents, making commuting unbearable and dangerous.
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