Pune Leaders Conduct Field Visit to Expedite Missing Road Links
Elected representatives from the Pashan and Baner–Balewadi areas of Pune conducted a comprehensive field visit on Tuesday to accelerate the completion of crucial missing road links across the Pashan–Someshwarwadi–Baner–Balewadi corridor. The initiative aims to streamline traffic movement and provide enhanced access to the Katraj–Dehuroad Bypass, addressing long-standing connectivity issues in these rapidly developing neighborhoods.
Political Pressure Mounts on Civic Authorities
During the inspection, local corporators urgently requested the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to prioritize land acquisition processes and finalize compensation packages to secure the necessary land parcels. This push comes amid growing frustration over the slow progress of these critical infrastructure projects, which have been delayed for months.
Chandrakant Patil, the local MLA and state cabinet minister, had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of work during a Monday meeting with civic chief Naval Kishore Ram. Patil specifically directed municipal authorities to develop a concrete, actionable plan to ensure faster completion of the missing road links within the Kothrud assembly constituency.
Specific Road Links Under Review
Local corporator Rohini Chimte, who led the field visit, confirmed that multiple critical missing links were examined during the inspection:
- Kaspate Vasti in Baner
- The Pashan–Baner link road
- Someshwarwadi connections
"There have been significant delays in finalizing compensation packages for landowners," Chimte explained. "We have formally requested visible progress in all these cases within the next three months. During our visit, some landowners even engaged in preliminary discussions with civic officials. We strongly urged officials to find immediate breakthroughs in all pending cases."
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Local leader Lahu Balwadkar described the visit as concluding on a positive note, expressing optimism about accelerated progress in the coming days regarding the missing road links in the Pashan–Baner–Balewadi areas.
However, area residents offered a more cautious perspective, noting that numerous meetings have been held in the past with minimal tangible results. "The administration should engage in direct, meaningful negotiations with landowners to overcome land acquisition obstacles," suggested a Pashan resident. "Completing these missing links and widening existing roads would significantly alleviate traffic congestion throughout our area."
Civic Response and Broader Infrastructure Plans
Officials from the PMC's road department have committed to preparing concrete plans to expedite work on the missing links. A civic official revealed, "The administration has set an ambitious target to complete 12 missing road links across various parts of Pune this fiscal year, with the Pashan–Baner–Balewadi corridor being a priority segment."
The proposed road infrastructure improvements are expected to not only enhance connectivity between these neighborhoods but also provide more efficient access to the Katraj–Dehuroad Bypass, potentially transforming traffic patterns in western Pune.
