25-05-2025
PMRDA to spend Rs 3,000cr to build road network linking major highways in Pune city
Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced a Rs3,000-crore road network project to link key highways and decongest Pune's major traffic corridors.
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Officials said the network would offer direct connectivity between Satara Road, Ahilyanagar Road, Solapur highway, Nashik highway, and the Pune-Mumbai highway, while improving road access to peripheral villages and emerging townships.
PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase told TOI that the project aims to have proper roads connecting to all highways in the district. "We have zeroed in on all the roads that connect to the highways.
We will undertake the repairs phase-wise," he said.
Officials of the development authority said construction or repair works are undertaken at various spots along different segments.
"Link roads connecting major highways are being prioritised. We have approved work in 20 to 25 villages," a senior PMRDA official said.
Most of the new roads will be constructed using cement concrete to improve durability, the official said.
"Each road will be equipped with stormwater drainage lines and underground utility ducts to prevent future digging and ensure smooth movement during the monsoon," the official said.
"Widths have been finalised keeping future traffic volumes in mind. Utility shifting and technical surveys are being conducted simultaneously to avoid delays," the official added.
The first phase of the project includes strengthening existing roads that are already part of PMRDA's regional development plan.
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The work is being executed through multiple packages, with land acquisition being fast-tracked.
Officials said the internal grid of roads would function as alternate routes for traffic that crowd the city's arterial roads and highways. Once completed, the network is expected to cut travel time for daily commuters and heavy vehicles entering and exiting Pune.
"The aim is to reduce pressure on primary corridors by creating seamless links between them.
This will also help people living in peripheral areas travel more efficiently," the official said.
Inner ring road alignment to be examined by experts
PMRDA is reviewing a request by MP Supriya Sule to shift the alignment of the proposed inner ring road by around 200m in certain locations to avoid affecting residential areas in villages.
"A final decision will be taken after technical experts examine the proposal," a senior PMRDA official said.
Sule raised the issue during a meeting with the PMRDA commissioner earlier this month stating that it would affect the villagers in the area. She said while she was not against the project, a slight re-alignment would help save the houses of the villagers in Haveli taluka.
The Rs14,200-crore inner ring road project spans 83.1km and is designed to provide circular connectivity between major hubs, including Lohegaon airport, Hinjewadi IT Park and Chakan MIDC.
The authority already submitted a request to the Pune district collector's office last week to speed up land acquisition for the inner ring road.
The ring road is expected to divert heavy traffic away from the city's core areas and support future infrastructure needs.
