The Nashik Municipal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd (NMSCDCL) has cancelled plans to develop 57 of the 197 proposed roads in the old city areas due to delays and unresolved issues. Initially, the project aimed to improve 197 major and minor roads spanning a total of 43 kilometers at an estimated cost of Rs 2.37 billion.

Under the Area-Based Development (ABD) initiative, the project focused on upgrading roads in older parts of the city, including Panchavati and Bhadrakali. However, only 140 roads covering 32 kilometers were completed, costing Rs 1.75 billion. The remaining 57 roads, measuring 11 kilometers, faced delays due to local resistance and contractors failing to secure necessary clearances.

An NMSCDCL official confirmed that the administration cancelled the incomplete projects during a recent board meeting. The initiative was designed to revamp the city's aging civic infrastructure, incorporating footpaths, utility conduits, water and stormwater lines, street furniture, traffic signage, landscaping, improved junctions, and smart bus stops. The cancellation marks a setback for efforts to modernize Nashik’s old city areas.

(TOI)