In a significant development for Maharashtra's road infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced that a detailed project report (DPR) worth Rs 6,000 crore has been drafted to upgrade the crucial Pune-Kolhapur highway. The announcement was made during the winter session of Parliament in response to a query raised by Baramati MP Supriya Sule.
Project Scope and Immediate Plans
The massive project aims to improve the existing highway and includes the augmentation of the Pune-Satara corridor. Gadkari stated that the government is set to begin implementing the DPR. He provided an update on the ongoing work, revealing that the construction of two tunnels near Khambatki Ghat close to Satara is progressing, with one of them slated for inauguration in the near future.
"The highway is very important and the ministry is studying the project again," Gadkari emphasized. He added that the ministry is utilizing its funds to develop the service lanes of the western bypass. Furthermore, the road works on the stretch between Satara and Kolhapur have already been awarded to contractors.
Addressing Delays and Safety Concerns
Despite the plans, the project has faced criticism over delays. MP Supriya Sule pointed out that the work has been getting delayed and questioned the timeline for completion, noting that some contractors have been blacklisted. She also raised persistent safety issues, stating that while accidents may have reduced at spots like Pune's Navale Bridge, the problem of accident-prone areas, or blackspots, around the bridge remains a serious concern requiring dedicated efforts.
The minister acknowledged the need for expedited work, announcing that a review meeting has been planned in his office next week to discuss the highway project and related issues, including suggestions from Members of Parliament. The ministry's goal is to complete essential road surface works, including repairs and concreting, within a year to alleviate the hassles faced by commuters, particularly those traveling towards Bengaluru.
Public Inconvenience and Traffic Woes
The delays and ongoing construction are causing significant daily problems for residents and travelers. Chinmay Joshi, a resident of Katraj, highlighted the cascading effect of bad road works on the Pune-Satara Road, leading to severe traffic jams at city exit points like Katraj and Shindewadi. He noted that heavy traffic entering Pune from these spots, especially at night, poses a danger and has made commuting difficult for locals, with all stretches becoming accident-prone.
The issue affects a large number of people. Gauri Kulkarni, a regular visitor to popular tourist destinations like Wai and Mahabaleshwar located off this highway, explained that all commuters suffer due to incomplete road works. The travel time and discomfort increase unnecessarily for those heading to tourist spots or Kolhapur for religious tours, underscoring the need to expedite the project.
The project's history includes multiple delays over the years due to challenges such as land acquisition, utility shifting, and the blacklisting of contractors. Current construction activities, particularly around areas like Khed Shivapur, Kapurhol, and the Navale Bridge section for six-laning, continue to cause major traffic congestion daily.
