Nashik roads dug up by MNGL to be fixed after poll code is lifted

Nashik: The civic body will begin large-scale repairs of roads dug up by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited immediately after the model code of conduct for the MLC polls is lifted, with contracts for ₹135 crore worth of work set to be awarded without delay, officials said.The repair costs will be funded through road damage charges recovered from MNGL and other agencies.NMC has already secured standing committee approval to restore around 165km of damaged road stretches across the city. “We could not issue work orders due to the model code of conduct for the MLC polls. Once the code ends, we will immediately award contracts and ensure work begins at the earliest, especially considering the onset of the monsoon,” a senior NMC official said.City engineer Sanjay Agrawal said the work would be taken up on priority. “The restoration of roads dug up by MNGL across Nashik will be taken up immediately after the code is lifted,” he said.Around 36 contractors finalised through the tender process will undertake resurfacing of stretches damaged due to trenching for piped natural gas (PNG) pipelines. The roads will be relaid with asphalt to restore drivability and smoothness.MNGL has carried out extensive digging across the city for PNG pipeline work. While trenches were refilled, many stretches remain uneven, prompting complaints from residents about poor restoration and unsafe road conditions. Commuters in areas such as Panchavati, Gangapur Road, Nashik Road, and Nashik West have reported slow traffic and a higher risk of accidents due to potholes and poorly levelled surfaces.Officials also flagged that multiple utility agencies have dug up roads across the city, often without coordination, resulting in repeated excavations and worsening road conditions.The NMC has earmarked ₹75 crore in the 2026–27 budget and will utilise an additional ₹60 crore from unspent funds from 2025–26, bringing the total outlay to ₹135 crore.Officials said the corporation aims to complete the repairs on priority to ensure safer and smoother commuting, particularly during the monsoon when damaged roads tend to worsen congestion and accidents.