ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³

The state government has allocated Rs 1.40 billion to acquire land for widening the Katraj-Kondhwa Road, sparking renewed optimism for the project's advancement. Earlier, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had encountered difficulties in the project when most landowners insisted on cash compensation. A senior civic official noted that limited funds had hindered PMC from promptly acquiring the land, thereby delaying the project's progress. Previously, PMC had aimed to complete the road by March 2025 but faced challenges due to financial constraints. The state government had earlier sanctioned Rs 2 billion, of which PMC has already utilized around Rs 480 million. The Katraj-Kondhwa Road encompasses areas such as Rajas Society, Khadi Machine Chowk, and the newly merged Pisoli area. Commuters, frustrated by the delays, urged the civic body to expedite work on the stretch. Residents, like Rucha Joshi from Bibvewadi, highlighted the severity of commuting issues on Katraj-Kondhwa Road, worsened during monsoons due to potholes and heavy vehicle traffic. Citizens also pointed out problems such as the incomplete Katraj flyover and illegal autorickshaw stands and encroachments, exacerbating traffic congestion. Rohit Narra, a commuter, emphasized the impact of delayed infrastructure projects like the flyover, which was intended to improve traffic management. Traffic police officer Chandrakant Pisal attributed irregular traffic conditions in Katraj to overpopulation and a high volume of PMPML buses. Despite these challenges, Pisal assured efforts to regulate traffic amidst increasing daily congestion.