A modification to the Pune Ring Road project, announced by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is set to save the state government an estimated ₹800 crore.
The revised route, which bypasses the structures of a large ongoing residential project near Kasar Amboli, aims to ease traffic congestion while avoiding a costly legal and financial impasse. The original alignment of the Pune Ring Road ran directly through an existing real estate development in Kasar Amboli, an area in the western stretch of the ring road. This posed a major hurdle, as the development consisted of over 300 residential units, which would have been in the direct path of the road. Faced with demands for hefty compensation from affected residents, MSRDC opted to reroute the road, effectively sidestepping the buildings and preventing costly demolitions.
The proposed changes are expected to save the government substantial financial resources. Residents of the housing project had originally demanded compensation that would amount to nearly ₹800 crore, an amount MSRDC officials deemed excessive and unsustainable. Some residents had even sought compensation up to four times the market value of their properties, a figure that would have placed an undue financial burden on the project.
The issue has been the subject of legal proceedings, with a court case currently pending. MSRDC, in its response, argued that only a small portion of the real estate project overlapped with the original alignment and that paying such a substantial sum would not be justified. By opting for a new route, the corporation is hoping to resolve the dispute and keep the project within budget while still serving the goal of improving connectivity in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The decision to realign the ring road also reflects a broader trend in infrastructure projects where environmental and financial considerations are becoming increasingly important. While the changes to the route will prevent the need for demolition, they also provide an opportunity to incorporate more sustainable and eco-friendly practices into the project. The new alignment could reduce the carbon footprint of the road construction by avoiding the demolition and rebuilding of homes, and it also offers the potential for more green spaces along the road’s revised path.
Officials are confident that the new alignment will not only reduce costs but also ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding communities. MSRDC is working to ensure that the changes are carefully planned and implemented to avoid any future conflicts or delays.
While the rerouting of the Pune Ring Road has been a necessary adjustment, it also underscores the complexities of large-scale urban development projects. The balance between infrastructure needs, environmental impact, and the rights of residents remains a key issue that authorities must continue to address as Pune grows into a major urban hub
Also Read :Noida Expands Infrastructure with Second Expressway
Pune Ring Road Realignment Saves Rs 800 Crore in Costs
