Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Urban Transformation: From Rural Roots to Modern Metropolis

Thirty years ago, Pimpri, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Nigdi, and Akurdi were known as industrial hubs. However, the landscape has changed significantly since 1997, when 18 villages were incorporated into the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), leading to a major expansion of the city.

Previously, these areas were recognized for their agricultural and village characteristics. Today, towering apartment complexes and housing societies are transforming the region. This change is especially noticeable in the northern and eastern areas, including Chikhali, Moshi, Dudulgaon, Chovisawadi, Vadmukhwadi, and Chanholi.

In 1970, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipality was established by merging several local gram panchayats. By 1982, it became a municipal corporation, incorporating villages like Sangvi, Pimpri Gurav, Rahatni, and Kalevadi. The 1997 expansion further included areas such as Chanholi, Chovisawadi, Vadmukhwadi, Dighi, Bopkhel, Dudulgaon, Moshi, Chikhali, Talwade, and several villages in the northwestern region.

With the growth of the industrial area and an increase in workers, housing demand surged. Lower rental prices in surrounding villages led property owners to build chawls for rent. These traditional chawls and settlements still exist but are being replaced by modern residential projects.

Newer features of the suburbs include wide roads in Chanholi, Dudulgaon, and Moshi, with new roads being proposed by the municipal corporation. 

The area now offers educational institutions from KG to PG, a growing mall culture, and an efficient public transport system via PMPML. Despite this urbanization, the areas retain a touch of greenery and fresh produce due to their agricultural surroundings.