Pune’s ambitious ring road project is steadily advancing, with officials reporting that 13 per cent of work has been completed, signalling a major step forward for metropolitan connectivity. The 172-kilometre-long, 110-metre-wide infrastructure initiative aims to decongest traffic in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, while providing faster, more efficient links to surrounding regions.
A standout feature of the project is the 5.87-kilometre tunnel near Sinhagad Fort, designed to reduce travel times dramatically. Once operational, the tunnel will allow commuters to bypass the existing 35-kilometre route between Khamgaon Maval and Kalyan, cutting travel from approximately an hour to just a few minutes. This strategic engineering effort reflects a broader focus on sustainable urban mobility and smarter infrastructure development in Pune. Construction, which began in February under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is progressing across multiple sites, including Hinjawadi, Urse, Chakan, Sortapwadi, Wadebolhai, Khadakwasla, Sinhagad, and Mulshi. The work is being undertaken by nine dedicated companies, with strict adherence to a two-and-a-half-year timeline. Officials emphasise that levelling hilly terrain, constructing bridges over rivers and canals, and filling operations remain the immediate priorities, forming the backbone of the tunnel and road network.
The ring road is divided into eastern and western sections, with seven phases in the east and five in the west. Land acquisition is nearly complete at 97 per cent, positioning the project for accelerated progress in the coming months. Officials note that delays caused by the extended monsoon are expected to subside, enabling faster execution and improved traffic flow management. Urban planners and transport experts highlight that the Pune Ring Road is more than a mere highway; it is an integral component of regional development. By connecting peripheral areas such as Ahilyanagar and Solapur, the road will facilitate efficient freight movement, ease commuter strain, and foster equitable growth across urban and suburban sectors. The tunnel near Sinhagad Fort exemplifies a sustainable approach, combining engineering innovation with minimal ecological disruption to hilly terrain.
Authorities have underscored accountability for timely completion. Companies exceeding deadlines will incur fines or compensation in line with state regulations, reinforcing the project’s governance framework. Experts assert that the ring road, once fully operational, will transform Pune’s transportation landscape, setting a benchmark for integrated, eco-conscious infrastructure in India. The Pune Ring Road project thus represents a significant stride towards modernising urban transport while maintaining environmental stewardship. With tunnelling work advancing and phased construction underway, the city anticipates enhanced connectivity, reduced congestion, and a robust foundation for future growth.
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