Pune: Citizens Meet MLA Bapusaheb Pathare Over Nagar Road Widening, Congestion Issues

Viman Nagar, 28th January 2025: A group of concerned citizens from Wadgaonsheri constituency met MLA Bapusaheb Pathare to address long-pending road widening and traffic congestion issues in the Nagar Road area. The citizens handed over detailed petitions supported by documents obtained through the RTI Act, 2005, highlighting the challenges faced due to incomplete road projects and inadequate urban planning.

According to the citizens, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has ignored repeated appeals to acquire land marked in the 1987 Development Plan (DP) for road widening. Despite earlier communication sent via email on December 14, 2024, there has been no significant action. The group has urged MLA Pathare to escalate the matter to PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale and, if necessary, to Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, to ensure that adequate funds are allocated and the work is expedited.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Petition:
Non-Acquisition of Land for Nagar Road Widening: The citizens pointed out that PMC has failed to acquire land at 14 locations along Nagar Road as per the DP 1987 plan, leading to severe traffic congestion. Survey numbers of affected areas include Sr. nos. 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970-V, 1971, and others. This lack of action has caused significant inconvenience to tax-paying residents and motorists.

Incomplete Shivane-Kharadi Bypass Road Project: The Shivane-Kharadi Bypass Road, which started 10 years ago, remains incomplete. According to the citizens, Phase 1 of the project could divert 30% of Nagar Road traffic, while Phase 2 could reduce it by another 20%. However, land acquisition at key survey numbers, including S. nos. 11, 9, 5, and others, is still pending.

Congestion in Viman Nagar Residential Area: Narrow roads, lack of alignment with DP 1987 standards, and unmanaged parking are contributing to severe congestion in Viman Nagar. Streets remain underdeveloped, and rapid growth in IT companies and educational institutions has exacerbated the issue. Citizens emphasized the need for stricter parking regulations and alignment of roads to DP specifications.
Road Width Issues:VIP Airport Road (current width: 18.3m; DP 1987 width: 30m)
Mhada Road (13m-18.3m; DP width: 20m)
Oakwood to Sakhore Nagar (not developed; DP width: 18m)

Citizens Demand Action
The citizens have requested MLA Pathare to take immediate steps to resolve these long-standing issues. They suggested that if PMC continues to cite a lack of funds, the state government under the Mahayuti alliance should step in to allocate resources.

“PMC’s repeated neglect of these issues has caused immense hardship for the public. We hope MLA Pathare takes up this matter on priority to bring relief to residents,” one of the petitioners stated.

MLA Bapusaheb Pathare assured the citizens of his support and promised to follow up with the PMC and escalate the matter if necessary.