Pune District Starts Land Acquisition for Major Infrastructure Project
Pune, 15th March 2025 – In a significant step towards alleviating the ever-growing traffic congestion between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, the Pune district administration has officially begun the land acquisition process for the ambitious Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) ring road project. This initiative, which is part of a larger strategy to boost urban infrastructure and connectivity, will require the acquisition of approximately 743.41 hectares of land to facilitate the construction of a 77.4-kilometre-long road designed to ease traffic bottlenecks in the region.
The PMRDA ring road is a key project intended to support the expanding urban needs of Pune, which continues to experience rapid growth in both population and economic activity. With the ring road set to span a width of 65 metres, the authorities aim to provide an efficient transportation corridor that will not only reduce congestion but also bolster the city’s accessibility to other regions, contributing to the sustainable development of the area. In a move to smoothen the land acquisition process, District Collector Jitendra Dudy has announced a 25% bonus for landowners who voluntarily surrender their land to make way for the project. This incentive comes as part of the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, which aims to facilitate faster and more cooperative land transfers. Dudy stressed that those who voluntarily part with their land would receive 2.5 times the compensation they would normally receive under the law. This offer is designed to encourage cooperation from landowners and mitigate the challenges often associated with land acquisition for large-scale public works projects.
A joint land survey is scheduled to take place from March to April, with the aim of assessing the total number of affected beneficiaries and determining the scope of compensation. The initial phases of land acquisition are expected to be completed by May, setting the stage for the timely execution of the project. Despite the administration’s preference for voluntary land surrender, Land Acquisition Coordinator Kalyan Pandhare has indicated that compulsory acquisition will be enforced should cooperation prove difficult. The administration remains committed to ensuring the smooth execution of this project, as it is seen as essential for the region’s long-term infrastructure needs. The land required for the project is a mix of government-owned, forest, defence, and private lands. Of the 743.41 hectares, approximately 23.28 hectares belong to the government, 45.84 hectares to forest areas, and 6.25 hectares are under the control of the defence department. A significant portion, 324.43 hectares, is private land, and some of the land has already been designated as non-agricultural, which will expedite the acquisition process. The acquisition process has been planned with careful consideration to the needs of various stakeholders, including landowners, local communities, and the environment.
The PMRDA ring road project is being implemented in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pune’s urban development. The project’s design is in line with the administration’s broader goals of creating eco-friendly, sustainable infrastructure that supports a growing population while minimizing environmental impact. While the focus is on achieving a seamless land acquisition process, the authorities also aim to ensure that the ring road project aligns with the city’s goals for zero net carbon emissions and sustainable growth. Pune’s expanding urban landscape must balance infrastructure development with environmental conservation and equitable growth. The administration’s proactive approach to land acquisition, with incentives for voluntary participation, reflects an understanding of the delicate balance between development and sustainability.
As the project moves forward, officials remain optimistic that the timely and efficient land acquisition will pave the way for the successful completion of this critical infrastructure endeavour, positioning Pune as a model for sustainable urban development in the region. However, given the complexities of land acquisition and the diverse interests involved, the district administration will need to carefully navigate the challenges that lie ahead to ensure the success of the PMRDA ring road project.
