Pune to Get 32.4 km Service Road to Ease Traffic Woes

13 Feb 2025 CW Team

Pune’s growing traffic congestion is set to ease with the construction of a 32.4-km-long service road between Khed Shivapur and Ravet, approved by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The ?6 billion ($72 million) project aims to reduce travel time, improve road safety, and decongest key bottlenecks along the busy corridor.

With 90% of land acquisition completed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and the remaining 10% in progress under the Pune Municipal Corporation, work is set to begin in March 2025 and conclude within two years. The two-lane service road on both sides of the main highway will help divert local traffic, allowing smoother movement for long-distance commuters.

Currently, around 210,000 vehicles use this corridor daily, leading to severe congestion at hotspots like Narhe, Navale Pul, Warje, Chandni Chowk, and Ravet. Once completed, commuters are expected to save 15 to 20 minutes per trip, enhancing overall traffic efficiency.

The project will be executed in three phases:

Khed Shivapur to the new Katraj tunnel Warje to Balewadi Wakad to Ravet Pune’s rapidly rising vehicle numbers, with a 10% annual increase, have overwhelmed existing infrastructure. This project aligns with the city’s broader urban transport strategy, which includes metro expansion and new flyovers.

Apart from easing congestion, the service road is expected to lower fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to sustainable urban mobility. However, experts emphasize the need for pedestrian pathways and cycling lanes to ensure a truly future-ready transport network. If executed effectively, the initiative could serve as a model for other cities facing similar congestion issues.

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