Pune: Katraj-Kondhwa Road Expansion Faces Hurdles, PMC Allocates Funds For Land Acquisition

Pune, 9th March 2024: The Katraj-Kondhwa road expansion project, aimed at easing heavy traffic congestion, has hit a roadblock due to stalled land acquisition in densely populated areas. Despite a state government announcement of Rs 200 crores for the project, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is yet to receive the funds, resulting in a standstill of the crucial roadwork.

In response, the PMC has taken the initiative to allocate Rs 74 crores for land acquisition and Rs 45 crores for road construction, totaling Rs 119 crores in its budget.

The 3.5 km stretch of Katraj-Kondhwa road has long been notorious for heavy traffic and perpetual jams. In 2018, the PMC initiated a project to widen the road by 84 meters from Katraj to Khadi Machine Chowk, anticipating completion by September 2021. However, complications arose with the acquisition of 2 lakh 88 thousand 124 square meters of land owned by 195 landowners. Initially, 2 lakh 16 thousand 596 square meters of land were provisionally possessed.

Landowners’ refusals to surrender their plots delayed the project, leading to a decision to reduce the road width to 50 meters. The estimated cost for land acquisition stands at Rs 280 crores, with an anticipated Rs 200 crores from the state government. Despite assurances that the funds would be received last year, the PMC is yet to see the promised amount.

Notably, work between Rajas Society Chowk and Gokulnagar has been halted due to demands from small plot owners for direct cash compensation in the form of ‘TDR’ and ‘FSI.’ While a new road has been constructed between Kanha Hotel Chowk and Khadi Machine Chowk, progress has slowed between Rajas Society Chowk and Gokulnagar. The PMC has allocated Rs 74 crores in the budget for land acquisition in this area, emphasizing the need for prioritized processing of citizen proposals to expedite the roadwork.

Vikram Kumar, Commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation, expressed confidence that despite the funding challenges, the road expansion project would be completed by March 2025. The road, spanning 3.5 km with a reduced width of 50 meters, is expected to include a 42-meter main road, a four-meter footpath, and ducts on both sides.