Pune PMRDA Approves 558 Crore Roads To Ease Chakan Traffic
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has greenlit ₹558.12 crore worth of road projects in the Chakan industrial area to address persistent traffic congestion, officials confirmed on Monday. Spanning a total of 40.74 km, these initiatives aim to streamline connectivity for industries and residents in one of Pune’s busiest industrial belts.
The announcement follows recent protests by Chakan residents highlighting chronic congestion despite the region’s rapid industrial growth. PMRDA officials emphasised that the projects are part of a broader plan to enhance transport efficiency, reduce vehicular emissions, and support sustainable urban mobility.
Six road stretches, previously approved by the Maharashtra Chief Minister in his capacity as PMRDA chairperson, cover 17.69 km at a cost of ₹196.50 crore. Key segments include Dehu Gaon to Yelwadi (2.5 km, ₹104 crore), Kohinde Phata to Kadus Gaothan (5.6 km, ₹20 crore), and Kadus Gaothan to Kiwale (5.5 km, ₹20 crore). Tender processes for these projects are currently under technical scrutiny.
In addition, PMRDA floated tenders on October 8 for seven more road stretches covering 17.7 km, valued at ₹100.14 crore, aimed specifically at easing congestion near the central Chakan junction. Notable segments include 4 km stretches along Pune–Nashik Road leading to Alandi Phata, and a 2.5 km road from Kuruli Phata to Nighoje.Land acquisition for four additional roads spanning 5.35 km has been fast-tracked, with ₹261.48 crore earmarked for the purpose. These include Medankarwadi Road (2.5 km, ₹111.75 crore) connecting Bangla Wasti Chowk to Rase Phata and a western bypass linking Pune–Nashik Highway to Talegaon MIDC (0.75 km, ₹91.68 crore).
Officials also reported that 428 illegal structures obstructing key routes in Chakan have already been removed to facilitate smoother traffic flow. PMRDA stressed that these measures align with Pune’s broader goal of sustainable urban development, prioritising reduced congestion, lower vehicle emissions, and improved access to industrial hubs.Traffic analysts highlight that the combined impact of these projects will be significant, particularly for commercial vehicles that account for a large portion of congestion in the Chakan MIDC. By modernising road infrastructure and implementing strategic bypasses, PMRDA expects to enhance overall transport efficiency while supporting economic activity in the region.As Pune’s industrial belt continues to expand, experts argue that integrated urban planning, sustainable road design, and proactive enforcement will be crucial to ensuring the city’s growth does not compromise mobility or environmental goals.