Pune: MLA Dnyaneshwar Katke Seeks Wider Internal Roads to Ease Traffic During Elevated Highway Work
Pune, 1st August 2026: Anticipating severe traffic congestion during the construction of proposed elevated corridors on the Pune–Solapur and Pune–Ahilyanagar National Highways, Shirur-Haveli MLA Dnyaneshwar Katke organised a joint inspection with Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari on Saturday to review measures aimed at minimising disruptions.
The inspection focused on widening internal roads between Hadapsar and Yavat on the Pune–Solapur Highway and between Viman Nagar and Shirur on the Pune–Ahilyanagar Highway. According to Katke, these alternative routes could help divert traffic during the construction period and reduce congestion on the two busy highway stretches.
As both highway corridors pass through the Shirur-Haveli Assembly constituency, Katke expressed concern that the proposed elevated road projects could significantly impact daily commuters and freight movement. He urged PMRDA to prioritise road widening and improve connectivity on adjoining internal roads to ensure smoother traffic flow throughout the construction phase.
The proposed elevated road projects are expected to take nearly four years to complete. Katke emphasised that with traffic volumes on both national highways continuing to rise, reducing congestion and ensuring uninterrupted passenger movement should be treated as a priority.
Apart from traffic management, Katke also raised long-pending civic infrastructure issues in East Haveli. He proposed a development plan worth approximately ₹600 crore for drinking water supply and solid waste management in the rapidly growing gram panchayat areas. The proposal includes the creation of new water sources, water storage reservoirs, water treatment infrastructure and a comprehensive solid waste management project.
During the meeting, Katke also sought approval for a proposed bridge over the Mutha River connecting Sashte and Theur to facilitate transportation to the Yashwant Cooperative Sugar Factory. He further requested progress on the proposed bridge linking Nhavi Sandas and Vitthalwadi (Shirur).
As part of the field visit, the PMRDA Commissioner and officials inspected several locations, including Avhalwadi, Wadebolhai, Manjari Khurd, Theur, Prayagdham, Koregaon, Takli Bhima, Sanaswadi, Koregaon Bhima, Pimple Jagtap, Lonikand, Bhawadi, the Lohgaon Road corridor, the Wagheshwar Temple area, Tulapur and Bakori Road.
Officials reviewed the causes of traffic congestion, the condition of existing roads, future traffic management requirements and various civic demands raised by local residents during the inspection.
