Pune: Shivne–Kharadi Road Stalled for Over a Decade, Citizens Demand ‘White Paper’ from PMC
Pune, 3rd December 2025: Expressing strong concern over delays and safety issues along the Shivne–Kharadi Road project, social worker and Creative Foundation president Sandeep Khardekar has written to Pune Municipal Commissioner Navalkishore Ram, demanding immediate clarity on whether the long-pending roadwork will ever be completed.
In his letter, Khardekar pointed out that despite being launched more than 12 years ago as an ambitious east–west connector, the project remains incomplete, particularly on the stretch from Rajaram Bridge to Mhatre Bridge. He stated that administrative negligence and procedural hurdles have left crucial portions of the route in disrepair, inconveniencing thousands of daily commuters.
“We strongly demand that you immediately issue a white paper on the condition of this road and disclose to the taxpayers of Pune whether this road will ever be completed or not,” Khardekar wrote.
He highlighted multiple road safety and traffic concerns affecting the stretch:
* Severe congestion at Vitthal Mandir Chowk for vehicles coming from Rajaram Bridge.
• Absence of a road divider from “Hotel Amchi” to Navsahyadri Chowk near Pandit Farm, leading to frequent accidents and creating difficulties for pedestrians.
• Illegal street vendors occupying carriage space during peak hours, worsening chaos on the busy route.
• Hazardous pedestrian openings through the central divider located at blind turns, increasing the risk of collisions.
Khardekar urged the civic administration to conduct an on-ground inspection and construct proper pedestrian crossings to ensure safe movement, while also controlling speeding on the road.
He further reminded the administration that discussions about resolving issues on the troubled 2 km stretch had taken place as far back as 2013, yet the situation has seen no significant progress in the last decade.
“The citizens of this area are looking at us with great expectation,” he said, stressing the need for urgent action from PMC to restore order and safety along the key connector.
