Home / Disasters and Accidents / Pune Road Project: 8 Years, 25 Deaths, Still No End
Pune Road Project: 8 Years, 25 Deaths, Still No End
9 Sep
Summary
- Katraj-Kondhwa Road widening has stalled for eight years.
- Over 50 accidents and nearly 25 deaths occurred on the stretch.
- Land acquisition issues are the primary obstacle to project completion.
For eight years, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has struggled to widen the Katraj-Kondhwa Road to a uniform 50 meters. This critical 3.5-km route, connecting Katraj to Kondhwa and Fursungi, serves as a vital link between the Pune-Bengaluru and Pune-Solapur highways, often used by heavy vehicles to bypass city centers. However, the project is plagued by persistent land acquisition problems, leaving large portions of the route incomplete and hazardous.
Recent police data reveals a grim toll, with over 50 accidents and approximately 25 fatalities recorded on this stretch in the past five years. Most casualties involved collisions between heavy vehicles and motorcyclists. The most recent tragedy involved a 16-year-old student who died after her scooter was hit by a truck. Residents express fear and frustration over the ongoing delays and dangerous conditions.
Om Prakash Divate, additional municipal commissioner of PMC, acknowledged land acquisition as the main hurdle, involving landowners seeking compensation or FSI/TDR. State government approval and sanctioned funds have been secured, and buildings obstructing the road have been demolished. While 10 land parcels have technical issues pending resolution, discussions are in the final stages. PMC anticipates completing the widening work by February or March of 2027.
