Pune Municipal Corporation Accelerates Land Acquisition for Kharadi-Shivane Road Project
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a decisive move to intensify land acquisition efforts for the pending section of the Kharadi-Shivane Road project. This strategic initiative aims to complete the crucial infrastructure link that connects the eastern and western parts of Pune, addressing long-standing traffic issues and improving urban mobility.
Meeting with Landowners in Karvenagar Area
To advance this project, the civic body's road department convened a meeting on Thursday with landowners in the Karvenagar area who are likely to be affected by the acquisition activities. According to PMC officials, this engagement is a critical step toward unlocking stalled work on the segment between Rajaram Bridge and Jawalkar Garden. The discussions are expected to pave the way for the resumption of construction, which has been delayed due to land acquisition challenges.
Project Overview and Current Status
The Kharadi-Shivane Road is a 22.5-kilometer-long arterial route, divided into three main stretches: 6 kilometers from Shivane to Mhatre Bridge, 5 kilometers from Mhatre Bridge to Sangamwadi, and 11.5 kilometers from Sangamwadi to Kharadi. Out of the total 1,850-meter route from Rajaram Bridge to Jawalkar Garden, 1,250 meters have been completed, leaving 600 meters pending due to unresolved land acquisition issues.
PMC City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "PMC has been offering transferable development rights (TDR) and cash compensation to landowners. Some have agreed to give their land for a stretch near Karvenagar. It will accelerate pending works." This compensation framework is designed to facilitate smoother negotiations and expedite the acquisition process.
Resident and Political Demands for Speedy Completion
Residents and political leaders in Karvenagar have been vocal in their demands for measures to speed up the road project. They highlight that incomplete work near Mahalaxmi Lawns is causing severe traffic congestion, particularly at Vitthal Mandir Chowk, where vehicles from Rajaram Bridge face significant delays.
Sandeep Khardekar, a local resident and BJP leader, commented, "The road is very important not only for residents but also passersby. It should be completed at the earliest. It will resolve traffic congestion in the vicinity." This sentiment is echoed by many in the community who are frustrated with the ongoing disruptions.
Additional Challenges: Encroachments and Safety Concerns
Beyond traffic snarls, residents point to other issues complicating the area. Pratham Joshi, another area resident, noted, "Along with traffic snarls, encroachments and illegal hawkers are also a problem. The administration must remove these hawkers." These encroachments exacerbate congestion and pose safety risks for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Furthermore, residents have identified several spots, such as near Dnyanada School, Shubharambh Lawns, and Gharkul Lawns, where pedestrian crossings are urgently needed. They argue that installing these crossings would ensure safe passage for pedestrians and help reduce vehicle speeds, enhancing overall road safety in the area.
Implications for Pune's Urban Development
The completion of the Kharadi-Shivane Road project is poised to have a transformative impact on Pune's urban landscape. By bridging the eastern and western sectors, it will not only alleviate traffic congestion but also boost economic activity and improve connectivity for thousands of commuters. The PMC's intensified efforts in land acquisition mark a significant step forward in realizing this vision, with stakeholders hopeful that the remaining hurdles will be overcome swiftly to bring the project to fruition.
