Maharashtra PMRDA clears encroachments to open Hinjawadi Laxmi Chowk road in major traffic relief move
Maharashtra has taken a significant step toward easing traffic congestion in the rapidly urbanizing Hinjawadi region with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority initiating the clearing of encroachments on a critical road stretch connecting Hinjawadi Phase Two and Laxmi Chowk in Marunji. The road had remained inaccessible for years due to unauthorized constructions and blocked drainage channels, severely affecting traffic movement and civic order. On Thursday, July third, the PMRDA began operations to remove illegal structures along the stretch between Wipro Circle in Hinjawadi Phase Two and Laxmi Chowk in Marunji.
This corridor is a vital connector for residents of Hinjawadi, Marunji, and Mann, particularly for thousands of IT professionals working in the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park and surrounding commercial zones. The drive is being carried out under the supervision of Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase, who has directed a multi-departmental team to implement the road-clearing initiative in a time-bound manner. According to senior PMRDA officials, the authority had issued formal notices to individuals and business establishments encroaching on public land and obstructing the flow of natural water bodies in the area.
The encroachments had long prevented the completion and operationalization of the Hinjawadi Phase Two to Laxmi Chowk road. The lack of direct connectivity had forced commuters to take circuitous and heavily congested alternative routes through narrow internal roads. This not only added to daily commute times but also resulted in frequent traffic jams and road safety concerns, especially during peak hours. During the initial phase of the demolition and clearance operation, several local business owners voluntarily dismantled their structures following the receipt of notices. This cooperation allowed the PMRDA to move swiftly in reclaiming the road alignment. Earthmoving equipment, local police personnel, and engineering staff from the development authority were deployed on-site to ensure the safe and orderly removal of physical obstructions.
The PMRDA has also coordinated with the traffic police, Pune Municipal Corporation, and water resources department to ensure that the road opening does not lead to further disruption or environmental damage. Authorities have emphasized that natural water drains and stormwater channels will be restored and protected as part of the development plan. Once operational, the road is expected to provide a direct and much-needed east west connection in the Hinjawadi region, significantly decongesting key junctions such as Wipro Circle and Laxmi Chowk. This, in turn, will enhance accessibility to the core IT and residential hubs in and around Marunji, Wakad, and Tathawade.
According to officials, the road has remained on hold for over five years due to piecemeal encroachments and lack of coordinated enforcement. Residents of the area have repeatedly raised concerns over the bottlenecks and delays, especially as Hinjawadi continues to expand both as a residential zone and employment center. The opening of the road is also expected to align with upcoming metro connectivity projects and feeder bus services, improving last mile access for daily commuters. Officials reiterated that the PMRDA remains committed to planned urban development and enforcement of land use regulations. He added that the authority will continue identifying and clearing other such encroachments in the region to ensure sustainable infrastructure rollout.
The road opening also aligns with the broader infrastructure objectives set under the Pune Ring Road and Pune Metro expansion plans. Authorities are working on ensuring smoother traffic dispersal in peri urban areas that have seen a rapid spike in residential and commercial development but lack corresponding public infrastructure. The initiative has received a positive response from local housing societies, resident welfare associations, and IT employee forums, who have long demanded government action to address the chronic traffic situation in the area. Several residents noted that the cleared road would not only ease congestion but also improve emergency access and reduce commute-related stress.
In parallel, the PMRDA is conducting a survey to map other encroachments that are delaying road and utility projects across the region. The authority plans to use digital land records and drone-based monitoring to identify illegal structures and prevent future encroachments before they become entrenched. While the road opening marks a milestone in traffic management in Hinjawadi, PMRDA officials acknowledged that sustained enforcement and inter-agency coordination would be critical to preventing a re-emergence of encroachments. Regular monitoring, legal follow-up, and stakeholder engagement are expected to be part of the ongoing plan.
The road is expected to be fully accessible to public traffic within the next two weeks, following final leveling, drainage restoration, and signage installation.
