Commuters using Naregaon Road to reach the Sawangi Bypass can now expect significantly shorter travel times, with the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) completing the demolition of encroachments along the stretch. Following the demolition of 175 illegal structures on Monday and 81 more on Tuesday, the anti-encroachment operation continued on Wednesday to remove the remaining obstructions.
The road, previously narrowed to just 10 metres due to widespread encroachment, is now being restored to its original 30-metre width as per the development plan. The widening is expected to ease traffic congestion considerably, reducing the commute from Naregaon to Sawangi Bypass from 30 minutes to just 10.
The drive began on August 4 amid opposition from local residents, but CSMC officials pressed ahead. On Tuesday, structures between Jai Bhavani Chowk and the garbage depot were cleared. On Wednesday, demolition continued on properties encroaching upon a nullah.
Officials said several buildings had been constructed by filling the nullah with soil, blocking the flow of water during the monsoon. Among the structures removed was a snack factory producing Kurkure. Residents demanded that the boundary wall of a nearby municipal school, also adjacent to the nullah, be removed.
Meanwhile, CSMC had planned to extend the demolition drive to Harsul on Wednesday. However, in view of stiff opposition from locals, a meeting was convened at the Police Commissionerate. Police Commissioner Praveen Pawar and CSMC officials were expected to hold discussions with the residents to defuse tensions.
