MIDC conducts an anti-encroachment drive in Chakan
Apart from carrying thousands of industrial vehicles every day, the road also serves residents of nearly 32 villages in western Khed tehsil. Residents of Birdawadi opposed the drive, demanding that MIDC first complete the proposed 60-metre-wide road within the industrial zone.
This action should have been taken earlier,” Dilip Batwal, secretary of the Federation of Chakan Industries, said. Residents said rapid urbanisation along the corridor had led many families to establish shops, homes and small businesses that now served as their primary source of income. We will not allow our homes and properties to be taken without a proper solution,” resident Chandrakant Hande said. Urban planners and transport experts said the dispute reflected broader challenges facing rapidly expanding industrial corridors in Chakan. Authorities must address road width, junction design, pedestrian movement, public transport, parking and freight traffic across the entire corridor,” Chakan-based transport expert Rahul Alhat said. A police officer from Pimpri Chinchwad traffic division said industrial corridors required separate planning for heavy vehicles and local traffic. Removing roadside shops may provide temporary relief, but it is not a long-term solution unless the planned road network is completed,” the officer said.
The drive has focused on Chakan-Ambethan-Bhamboli road, a key arterial route connecting MIDC’s Phases II and V. “Action against us is unjust. Industry representatives, however, backed the move, saying uncontrolled roadside development and deteriorating road conditions had become major obstacles for industrial transport. “Industrial growth has far outpaced road and traffic infrastructure, leading to frequent congestion and higher accident risks. “If flawed planning created this situation, residents should not have to bear the cost. Complete the road first. “Encroachment removal cannot be treated merely as a demolition exercise. “When container trucks, buses, two-wheelers, public transport and village traffic share the same road, congestion is inevitable without proper segregation.
Pune: An anti-encroachment drive by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Chakan industrial belt on Sunday faced stiff resistance from residents, who accused the agency of targeting roadside establishments without first addressing long-pending infrastructure and connectivity problems.