Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made significant progress in the first phase of the Ganeshkhind Road widening project, but the second phase, which covers the stretch from Chaphekar Statue to Sancheti Hospital, is facing delays due to slow land acquisition.
Despite the urgency of the project, only 11 of the required 52 properties have been acquired so far, with efforts ongoing to secure the remaining land.
Ganeshkhind Road, a major arterial route, is currently under pressure from heavy traffic, which has only worsened due to ongoing infrastructure projects such as the construction of a two-tier flyover and the metro line between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar.
The space constraints are particularly critical near the metro station and the flyover ramp, both of which require additional land for construction. According to the development plan, Ganeshkhind Road should be widened to 45 meters, but currently, it only measures 35 meters.
The first phase of the road widening project, from Savitribai Phule Pune University to the Reserve Bank Agricultural College, and the stretch from Akashvani Colony to University Chowk, was completed swiftly.
This phase was a collaborative effort between PMC and PMRDA (Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority), overcoming various challenges along the way.
However, the second phase, which includes the road from Chaphekar Statue Chowk near Khairwadi to Sancheti Hospital, has been slow to progress due to difficulties in acquiring the necessary properties.
These properties belong to a mix of private owners, semi-government bodies like Akashvani and LIC, and government agencies such as the police.
In April, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale took the initiative to expedite the road widening project by invoking the Land Acquisition Act.
PMC Property Department Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Patil said, "The completion of the first phase has alleviated some traffic issues, but the second phase,
which covers critical areas near Sancheti Hospital, is still pending. Once the official survey map is received, the PMC plans to accelerate the remaining acquisitions."
Current Status of Land Acquisition for Ganeshkhind Road
Total land required for widening: 14,000 square meters
Estimated expenditure for acquisition: ₹141 crore
Total properties required for acquisition: 52
Properties acquired by the Municipal Corporation: 11
Number of private properties: 38
Number of private properties acquired: 10
Number of government properties: 14
Number of government properties acquired: 1