Land acquisition issues stall construction of 280 km of Pune roads
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Land acquisition issues stall construction of 280 km of Pune roads

Despite the ongoing suffering of citizens due to severe traffic congestion and a growing number of vehicles, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing significant challenges in acquiring a mere 100-meter stretch of land for 80 roads. As a result, approximately 280 kilometers of roads outlined in the old Development Plan (DP) have not been constructed.

The majority of these incomplete roads are located in areas such as Wagholi, Hadapsar, Bibvewadi, Dhayari, Aundh, Warje, Karvenagar, and Kothrud. The PMC claims to lack the necessary funds to provide cash compensation to landowners based on market prices, as demanded by the landowners themselves.

Instead, the PMC has offered increased Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and additional Floor Space Index (FSI) as compensation, but the landowners have remained adamant in their demand for cash. This impasse has made land acquisition extremely challenging over the past decade.

To address this issue, the PMC enlisted the help of an advisor and consultant to identify the missing links in the road network infrastructure development project. The consultant's report highlights grave concerns, revealing that only 100 to 200 meters of land remain unacquired, despite most roads being ready for use.

PMC commissioner Vikram Kumar stated that priority will be given to developing road projects where land acquisition of just 100 meters is pending. This approach could result in the completion of a 77-kilometer-long road infrastructure, thereby alleviating congestion in the city.

The road department reports that the construction of proposed new roads outlined in the development plan has been hindered by land acquisition issues. The preference of landowners for cash compensation instead of TDR or additional FSI has caused project delays. As a result, the civic body constructs a portion of the road, leaving the segment requiring land acquisition unfinished. This situation persists for several years, resulting in these roads existing only on paper.

Civic rights activist Qaneez Sukhrani points out that there are 15 locations along Ahmednagar Road where land acquisition is still pending according to the 1987 DP. The entire 7-kilometer road from Parnakuti to Wagholi is yet to undergo land acquisition and subsequent development. Sukhrani questions why the PMC is reversing the legal process and creating obstacles for citizens, which ultimately leads to traffic congestion.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Despite the ongoing suffering of citizens due to severe traffic congestion and a growing number of vehicles, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing significant challenges in acquiring a mere 100-meter stretch of land for 80 roads. As a result, approximately 280 kilometers of roads outlined in the old Development Plan (DP) have not been constructed.The majority of these incomplete roads are located in areas such as Wagholi, Hadapsar, Bibvewadi, Dhayari, Aundh, Warje, Karvenagar, and Kothrud. The PMC claims to lack the necessary funds to provide cash compensation to landowners based on market prices, as demanded by the landowners themselves.Instead, the PMC has offered increased Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and additional Floor Space Index (FSI) as compensation, but the landowners have remained adamant in their demand for cash. This impasse has made land acquisition extremely challenging over the past decade.To address this issue, the PMC enlisted the help of an advisor and consultant to identify the missing links in the road network infrastructure development project. The consultant's report highlights grave concerns, revealing that only 100 to 200 meters of land remain unacquired, despite most roads being ready for use.PMC commissioner Vikram Kumar stated that priority will be given to developing road projects where land acquisition of just 100 meters is pending. This approach could result in the completion of a 77-kilometer-long road infrastructure, thereby alleviating congestion in the city.The road department reports that the construction of proposed new roads outlined in the development plan has been hindered by land acquisition issues. The preference of landowners for cash compensation instead of TDR or additional FSI has caused project delays. As a result, the civic body constructs a portion of the road, leaving the segment requiring land acquisition unfinished. This situation persists for several years, resulting in these roads existing only on paper.Civic rights activist Qaneez Sukhrani points out that there are 15 locations along Ahmednagar Road where land acquisition is still pending according to the 1987 DP. The entire 7-kilometer road from Parnakuti to Wagholi is yet to undergo land acquisition and subsequent development. Sukhrani questions why the PMC is reversing the legal process and creating obstacles for citizens, which ultimately leads to traffic congestion.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement