The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of three new box-structure underpasses on the Pune-Bengaluru highway stretch at Punawale and Tathawade. This development brings significant relief to thousands of commuters in Pimpri Chinchwad and surrounding areas. The tendering process for the project has already commenced, and work is expected to be prioritized.
Project Details and Timeline
A senior NHAI official informed the Times of India that the proposal received approval around two weeks ago. “We have initiated the tendering process and efforts are being made to commence work at the earliest,” the official said. Sources within NHAI estimate the project cost to be around Rs 70-80 crore. The official added that Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed the project during his visit to Pune last week, assessing the progress of several ongoing and proposed infrastructure works in the district.
Addressing Traffic Bottlenecks
The proposed underpasses are expected to resolve long-standing traffic bottlenecks on the highway stretch and service roads. The existing two underpasses have struggled to cope with rising vehicular movement. Residents have repeatedly demanded additional crossing points, citing severe congestion and long delays, especially during weekends. The box-structure design was selected for its faster execution and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional underpasses. These structures can be built using precast concrete segments or cast-in-situ concrete, requiring comparatively less excavation, thereby reducing construction time and traffic disruption.
Rapid Urbanization and Commuter Woes
The issue has become more acute with rapid residential growth in Punawale, Tathawade, Wakad, Kiwale, Ravet, and adjoining areas. A large number of IT professionals and daily commuters living on either side of the highway routinely face traffic snarls at the existing underpasses, which have limited carrying capacity. Residents welcomed the decision but urged authorities to plan for future traffic growth. “Punawale and Tathawade are expanding rapidly, and the population will continue to increase. The infrastructure being built today should be able to meet future demand as well,” said Shubham Kandale, a resident and regular commuter.
Vitthal Baral, another resident, stressed the need for proper planning of approach roads and service road connectivity. “The existing underpasses have become bottlenecks as traffic volumes have increased significantly while crossing points remain limited,” he said. According to Sumit Dhage, residents’ groups are flooded with videos and photographs of traffic jams almost every weekend. “The congestion has become so severe that even traffic personnel struggle to manage the situation. We only hope that NHAI completes the construction of these proposed underpasses on priority,” he said.
Political and Administrative Support
Local corporator Reshma Bhujbal said she and Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap had been pursuing the matter with authorities for over a year. “The problem is particularly severe during weekends. The underpasses are crucial not only for residents but also for connectivity to 10-12 nearby villages linked to Pimpri Chinchwad,” she said. Residents also pointed out that the existing underpasses frequently get waterlogged during the monsoon, forcing motorists to take lengthy detours. While NHAI has proposed an elevated corridor between Kiwale and Katraj, the project is awaiting cabinet approval.
MLA Jagtap had raised the issue in the state assembly earlier this year and recommended the construction of eight box-structure underpasses along the stretch, citing rapid urbanization and increasing traffic demand in the region. “The underpasses are important for the internal connectivity of Wakad, Punawale, and Tathawade areas. Besides, the widening of existing service roads is also important to provide basic infrastructure to local residents. Gadkari has directed NHAI officials to expedite works,” said Jagtap, who met Gadkari over the issue last week.
