Pune: Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have voiced serious concern over the sluggish pace of the Rs 55,000-crore Pune ring road project, emphasizing that continued delays could undermine efforts to enhance the city's connectivity to major highways. The concerns emerge as the long-awaited Missing Link on the Pune-Mumbai expressway is scheduled for inauguration on May 1.
MLA Shankar Jagtap Highlights Persistent Delays
MLA Shankar Jagtap, who has repeatedly raised the issue of delays, noted that while initial setbacks were caused by land acquisition hurdles, the project is now suffering from slow on-ground execution. “Several meetings have been held to push the project forward, as the ring road is vital for linking Pune to key highways. With the Missing Link opening next month, the ring road will be key in decongesting city roads, reducing travel time and ensuring smoother access to highways. There should be no further delay in its implementation,” Jagtap said.
MLA Siddharth Shirole Echoes Concerns
MLA Siddharth Shirole echoed similar concerns, stating that the pace of work remains unsatisfactory. “The ring road is a critical infrastructure project. Once contracts are in place, delays are unacceptable. Any lag will postpone essential connectivity, put additional pressure on existing roads and worsen congestion. MSRDC and the contractors must expedite execution,” he said.
Official Progress Reports Show Significant Delays
Nearly a year after contracts were finalized, official progress reports up to February indicate that both the eastern and western alignments are significantly behind schedule, with multiple milestones missed, according to senior revenue officials. “While some progress has been recorded in culverts and vehicular underpasses, viaducts and bridges continue to see sluggish movement,” a senior MSRDC official told TOI.
Officials stated that non-achievement notices have been issued to contractors. “We are closely monitoring the project to ensure faster progress,” the official added.
The ring road project is considered essential for improving Pune's connectivity to highways such as the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway and the Pune-Nashik highway. The delayed progress has raised concerns among commuters and local businesses, who fear that without timely completion, traffic congestion will worsen and economic benefits will be postponed.
Contractors involved in the project have been urged to accelerate work, with MSRDC promising stricter oversight. The state government has also been requested to intervene to resolve any remaining bottlenecks.
