Pune's Rs 6,090 Crore Elevated Corridor Proposal Awaits Central Government Approval
In a significant development aimed at tackling persistent traffic woes, a major infrastructure project has been proposed for Pune. A 32-kilometer elevated corridor stretching from Swaminarayan Mandir at Jambhulwadi to the Dehu Road junction on National Highway-48 is currently pending approval from the central government. This ambitious initiative is specifically designed to alleviate the chronic congestion and enhance safety at the notoriously accident-prone Navale Bridge.
Minister Confirms Proposal Status in State Assembly
Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, provided crucial updates on the project during a session of the state assembly on Tuesday. Responding to an inquiry from Khadakwasla MLA Bhimrao Tapkir, Kadam confirmed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has meticulously prepared a detailed plan for this massive undertaking, valued at Rs 6,090 crore. The comprehensive proposal has been formally submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for final authorization.
"Once the central government approves the NHAI proposal, the state will be able to provide a definitive timeline for the commencement and completion of the project," Minister Kadam stated emphatically. He further highlighted that while several short-term measures are already operational—including reduced speed limits, installation of rumble strips, and widening of service roads—the elevated corridor represents the only viable long-term solution for this critical stretch of highway.
Urgency Driven by Tragic Accident and Rising Safety Concerns
The pressing need for this infrastructure upgrade was starkly underscored by a devastating accident on November 13 at Navale Bridge. A container truck experienced catastrophic brake failure, resulting in a collision with multiple vehicles. This tragic incident led to eight fatalities and left more than 20 individuals with serious injuries. Subsequent investigations conducted by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) revealed that the vehicle was not overloaded and possessed all valid documentation. This finding pointed directly to the inherent structural and traffic-related risks plaguing the area.
Minister Kadam presented alarming accident statistics for the past five years to illustrate the ongoing danger:
- 2022: 12 accidents reported, resulting in 4 deaths.
- 2023: 3 accidents reported, resulting in 2 deaths.
- 2024: 5 accidents reported, resulting in 3 deaths.
- 2025: 8 accidents reported, resulting in 8 deaths.
Project Scope and Broader Traffic Management Efforts
In response to a separate query from MLA Shankar Jagtap regarding an elevated road specifically from Wakad to Dehu Road, Minister Kadam clarified that this section is indeed integrated into the broader 32-kilometer proposal. Addressing concerns about encroachments raised by MLA Tapkir, Kadam noted that multiple high-level meetings have been convened. These sessions involved key stakeholders such as the divisional commissioner, collector, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to coordinate and streamline removal drives.
Transformative Benefits Outlined by NHAI Officials
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India have emphasized that the proposed elevated corridor is poised to fundamentally transform the traffic dynamics along NH-48. A primary objective is the segregation of local commuters from through-traffic, which is expected to drastically improve flow and safety.
"The proposed corridor aims to ensure an uninterrupted flow of traffic, enhancing safety and efficiency. It is expected to increase average speeds to 80 km/h and reduce travel time by 30-40%," an NHAI official explained. The official added that the project would deliver substantial ancillary benefits, including a reduction in vehicle operating costs (VOC) and lower emissions, thereby contributing to more sustainable and efficient urban mobility for the Pune region.
As the proposal awaits the green light from New Delhi, residents and commuters remain hopeful that this critical infrastructure project will soon move from planning to reality, offering a permanent solution to the area's traffic and safety challenges.
