Alandi has announced a Rs 58 crore ring road project aimed at easing severe traffic congestion in the town, one of Maharashtra’s busiest pilgrimage centres. Maharashtra Chief Minister highlighted that daily inflows of devotees have intensified pressure on the town’s narrow streets, with congestion reportedly surpassing levels seen in Pune. The initiative, part of broader urban infrastructure improvements, seeks to enhance mobility, reduce travel delays, and support local economic activity.
The ring road will provide an alternative route around Alandi, improving circulation for both residents and visitors. An urban planning official noted that the project will strategically redistribute traffic away from congested zones, reducing bottlenecks and enabling more predictable commute times. With Alandi hosting the samadhi of 13th century saint Dnyaneshwar and serving as a starting point for the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage, managing pedestrian and vehicular flows has become increasingly critical.
The project forms part of a wider strategy to upgrade civic infrastructure in towns experiencing high religious tourism. The Chief Minister emphasised that Alandi functions as an extension of Pune, making systematic urban planning essential. Previous administrations were criticised for uncoordinated growth that strained essential services, including drinking water, drainage, and waste management. In response, the local municipal council implemented a 10 MLD drinking water scheme after 2017, with plans for an additional Rs 322 crore water supply enhancement to meet rising demand.
Industry experts say the ring road will not only improve traffic efficiency but also support environmental and social sustainability goals. By redirecting vehicles away from densely populated streets, emissions and fuel consumption are expected to decrease, complementing broader efforts toward low-carbon, inclusive urban development. The road will be designed to accommodate future increases in traffic while safeguarding the town’s cultural and ecological assets.Officials also highlighted that the project will integrate modern engineering practices to ensure structural resilience and minimal disruption during construction. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that religious tourism centres require dedicated infrastructure planning to maintain safety, accessibility, and civic quality.
Once completed, the Alandi ring road is expected to serve as a model for managing traffic in high-footfall pilgrimage towns across India, demonstrating how targeted investment can balance mobility, heritage preservation, and sustainable urban growth.
Alandi Rs 58 Crore Ring Road To Ease Pune-Level Congestion
