Pune Launches ₹628-Crore Road Upgrade Along Metro Corridor Amid Public Outcry
In a move aimed at restoring public trust and urban functionality, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced a ₹628-crore initiative to redevelop roads severely damaged due to ongoing construction of the city’s elevated metro corridor between Maan and Shivajinagar. Responding to sustained citizen complaints and environmental concerns, the plan promises a complete overhaul of critical infrastructure along the 25-km stretch, integrating sustainable mobility features while addressing jurisdictional overlaps between multiple agencies.
The metro corridor, which passes through high-traffic zones like Hinjewadi, Baner, and Ganeshkhind, has left several arterial roads battered, often flooded or inaccessible due to construction debris and uneven surfaces. A joint meeting between PMRDA and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) confirmed that reconstruction would include four-lane carriageways on either side, along with dedicated footpaths, bus bays, cycle tracks, and rotaries. Officials stated that one unified agency should manage the redevelopment to ensure uniformity in design, construction quality, and long-term usability, avoiding the inefficiencies of fragmented jurisdiction. Analysts say the damage from metro construction reflects a broader problem in India’s urban development—transit infrastructure often comes at the cost of public space, mobility equity, and ecological balance. In Hinjewadi, flooding worsened when storm drains were blocked by leftover construction material, drawing widespread criticism from residents and public representatives.
The new redevelopment initiative includes mapping of subsurface utilities up to 6 metres using Ground Penetrating Radar, a step officials say is vital to avoid future infrastructural conflict and ensure road longevity. This level of detail, including a projected traffic count survey for the next decade, signals a more future-ready approach than past practices. The plan is designed to not only fix physical infrastructure but also reimagine urban movement across a key corridor that serves Pune’s tech and institutional hubs. Officials have confirmed that the scope of the project goes beyond road repairs—it involves complete reengineering of street usage, paving the way for more multimodal and environmentally sustainable commuting. Provisions for dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes reflect a commitment to reduce dependency on fossil-fuel-based personal vehicles, aligning with India’s larger zero-net-carbon ambitions. The project consultant will conduct detailed surveys covering land acquisition, design norms, utility relocation, and structural planning before ground-level execution begins.
This redevelopment project marks a turning point in how Pune handles urban transport transitions. While metro systems are essential for reducing long-term urban congestion, their implementation must not undermine everyday accessibility and environmental health. By proactively redesigning affected infrastructure through a unified lens and embracing inclusive design standards, Pune has an opportunity to become a model for Indian cities facing similar challenges. The success of this initiative will depend not only on budget execution but also on civic accountability and ecological foresight.
