Pune Municipal Corporation Accelerates Highway Widening with Additional Rs 5 Crore Budget
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a decisive step to address the chronic traffic congestion on the old Mumbai-Pune highway by approving an additional budget allocation of Rs 5 crore. This funding injection aims to expedite the completion of the crucial road widening project that has been underway for some time.
Critical Connectivity Route Faces Persistent Traffic Issues
The old Mumbai-Pune highway continues to experience heavy vehicular movement despite the development of alternate routes through Aundh and Baner by the administration. This arterial road serves as a vital connectivity hub between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, while also providing essential access for vehicles traveling toward Mumbai.
The historical road stretches from Shivajinagar through the Kirkee Cantonment Board area and connects to Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation via the Rajiv Gandhi Bridge over the Mula river. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, as it facilitates transportation across multiple regions of Maharashtra.
Multiple User Groups Depend on This Vital Corridor
The highway serves diverse transportation needs:
- State transport buses operating between Mumbai and Pune, as well as routes to Ahilyanagar, Solapur, and Kolhapur
- Daily commuters traveling for employment and educational purposes across municipal boundaries
- Vehicles providing connectivity between Pune and Nashik district, along with other western Maharashtra districts
This multi-purpose usage pattern explains why traffic volumes remain consistently high despite alternative route development.
Project Status and Funding Reallocation Strategy
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram explained the financial reallocation strategy: "The PMC has undertaken widening of the old Mumbai-Pune highway, development of Bus Rapid Transit System on the stretch, and development work along the highway near Bopodi. There is shortage of funds for completing the work, so Rs five crore from budgetary allocation for widening of Ganeshkhind road will be used now since its implementation would require some more time due to administrative processes."
The proposal to divert these funds received approval during civic standing committee and general body meetings held this week. Currently, the highway widening project stands at 95% completion, with Rs 63.57 crore already expended against a total project cost of Rs 72.57 crore.
Administrative Hurdles Prompt Budget Reallocation
The decision to redirect funds stems from procedural delays affecting the Ganeshkhind road widening project. The civic Road department reported that while widening work from Savitribai Phule Pune University to Sancheti hospital junction is planned, the administration faces several pre-implementation challenges:
- The tree transplantation process awaits approval from the Tree Authority committee
- Only 12 of 52 affected properties have been acquired for the project
- The process to secure remaining properties is still underway
A civic officer clarified that administrative processes for the Ganeshkhind road project will extend beyond the current financial year ending March 2026, making the allocated budget temporarily available for more immediate infrastructure needs.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Approach
The PMC's initiative represents a holistic approach to urban transportation infrastructure. Beyond mere road widening, the project encompasses development of a Bus Rapid Transit System and complementary development work along the highway corridor. This integrated strategy aims to create sustainable transportation solutions rather than temporary traffic fixes.
The additional funding allocation demonstrates the civic body's commitment to addressing Pune's growing transportation challenges while optimizing resource utilization across multiple infrastructure projects. By reallocating funds from delayed projects to those nearing completion, the PMC aims to deliver tangible improvements to the city's transportation network more efficiently.
