Pune Inner Ring Road Gains Momentum as Land Acquisition Speeds Up
Pune’s ambitious inner ring road project, envisioned to decongest the city’s arterial routes, has reached a critical milestone, with the first phase of land acquisition set for completion in the next three to four months. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has earmarked ₹113 crore for land acquisition, of which 30% has already been deposited with the Collector’s office to compensate landowners for the first 4.7 km stretch between Solu and Vadgaon Shinde. Officials have confirmed that the joint measurement survey has been finalised, and valuation is currently underway. The project, spanning 83.12 km, is designed to offer a seamless route for heavy vehicles, diverting them from congested city roads, thereby improving urban mobility and reducing environmental impact.
The project is crucial for Pune’s rapidly expanding metropolitan region, where increasing vehicular density has resulted in prolonged travel times and environmental concerns. The total estimated cost of the inner ring road stands at ₹14,200 crore, with land acquisition being a critical component. The initial phase requires acquiring 28 hectares from three villages—Solu (13.17 hectares), Nirgudi (9.32 hectares), and Vadgaon Shinde (5.71 hectares). In total, 743.41 hectares of land will be acquired from 44 villages across Khed, Haveli, Mulshi, and Maval talukas. Officials have stated that compensation for landowners will be provided either through direct purchase or under the compulsory land acquisition act. The proactive use of drone technology has significantly accelerated the land survey process, ensuring a smooth transition for the acquisition phase.
Beyond addressing congestion, the inner ring road project is poised to drive urban sustainability, reducing vehicular emissions and fuel consumption by offering a direct route for traffic headed towards major highways. The 65-metre-wide road will feature 17 bridges, 10 tunnels, and a dedicated 5-metre corridor for metro tracks, reinforcing Pune’s long-term urban mobility plan. Additionally, the redevelopment of 42 connecting roads will enhance accessibility for peripheral regions, integrating them more effectively into Pune’s metropolitan framework. By enabling faster transit and reducing congestion on major roads such as Nagar Road, the project is expected to contribute significantly to lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality.
From a civic infrastructure perspective, the ring road’s construction is expected to boost real estate development in newly connected regions, increasing demand for housing and commercial spaces. As land acquisition progresses, careful urban planning will be necessary to ensure equitable development, preventing speculative land pricing and unplanned urban sprawl. The state government’s decision to relax the social impact assessment stage reflects its urgency in executing the project. However, experts caution that rapid urban expansion must align with sustainable growth policies, balancing development with environmental conservation.
With the first phase nearing completion, Pune’s inner ring road project is set to redefine the city’s transport landscape, promising faster connectivity, economic growth, and enhanced sustainability. While challenges such as timely compensation and equitable land distribution remain, the project’s progression signals a transformative shift in Pune’s infrastructure development, ensuring a more efficient, well-connected, and environmentally sustainable urban future.
