Pune: VIP Road to Lohgaon Airport Set for Widening Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit

Lohgaon, 8th November 2024: The VIP road connecting Pune’s Lohgaon Airport, frequently used by high-profile officials, is set to undergo widening. The Defence Department has granted approximately six meters of additional space on each side, allowing the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to begin expansion work. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit for the Assembly Election campaign, the roadwork is progressing swiftly.

Traffic congestion around Lohgaon Airport and throughout Pune has worsened in recent times, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades. The PMC plans to ease the congestion by constructing new roads and widening existing ones near the airport; however, funding for these projects is still pending.

The 2.5-kilometer VIP route, which is maintained by the Defence Department, connects Lohgaon Airport to Weikfield Chowk. It is regularly used by prominent figures, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other dignitaries, to access Nagar Road.

Currently six meters wide, the VIP road is bordered by three meters of open space on either side, along with a high boundary wall. After discussions with the Defence Department, the PMC received approval to utilize this space for road expansion, increasing the width by an additional six meters.

The area around the road, which is overgrown with grass and cluttered with debris, will now be cleaned up as part of the expansion. Work has already started, with crews clearing stones and grass, and leveling the area to facilitate smoother traffic flow.

Aniruddha Pawaskar, Chief Engineer of the PMC Road Department, confirmed the progress, stating, “The Defence Department has agreed to allocate land along the VIP road for PMC’s use. We’ve started the cleanup and leveling work, which will initially help improve traffic flow. Full tarmacking will follow to complete the upgrade.”