Lohegaon-Pune Airport Road Connectivity Due To Runway Extension Hits Technical Snag, Defence Ministry Raises Queries
Pune, 22nd August 2023: In an unusual turn of events, the Ministry of Defence has encountered a technical snag for the second time while reviewing the proposal submitted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the authorization of alternative roads in the Lohegaon area.
Promptly addressing the discrepancies, the PMC has rectified the issues and subsequently furnished revised details to the Defence Ministry. Anticipating swift resolution, a response from the Ministry of Defence concerning these road alterations is expected within the next 15 days.
The collaborative efforts of both central and state governments are presently directed towards expanding the runway of the Pune airport. However, as the runway extension progresses, the road linking Lohgaon to Weikfield Chowk (near Kendriya Vidyalaya no. 2) is set to be temporarily closed. To address this impending inconvenience, the municipal administration and Air Force officials jointly evaluated the situation, suggesting the establishment of two alternative road routes.
In accordance with protocol, the requisite information was dispatched to the Ministry of Defence for the necessary approvals. Regrettably, the Defence Ministry noted discrepancies in the diversion plans for the alternative roads, accompanied by some technical oversights.
Demonstrating their commitment to ensuring accurate submissions, the Pune Municipal Corporation promptly remedied the highlighted errors, thereby submitting the revised and precise information to the Defence Ministry.
Vikas Dhakane, Additional Commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation, elaborated, “We have received technical oversights from the defence ministry for the second time. After meticulous resolution, we have re-furnished the rectified data to the Ministry of Defence. We remain optimistic that the Ministry will extend its approval for the proposed alternative road projects within the next 15 days.”
The forthcoming response from the Ministry of Defence holds the key to further progress in this initiative, as Pune awaits a swift resolution to ensure seamless connectivity for its residents.
