Pune Traffic Relief: Katraj–Kondhwa Road Phase 1 Targeted by June 2026

Katraj, 12th April 2026: The long-pending Katraj–Kondhwa road widening project has gained momentum, with the state government allocating substantial funds for land acquisition and the first phase nearing completion.

The road, which connects two national highways and carries heavy traffic, has witnessed a sharp rise in vehicular movement in recent years. Authorities estimate that over 15,000 vehicles use the stretch every hour, with a significant share of heavy vehicles. In the absence of the PMR Ring Road and the Katraj–Khadakwasla–Wadki bypass, traffic from Bopdev Ghat and Dive Ghat continues to rely heavily on this corridor.

Rapid residential and commercial development in the area, along with the growth of warehouses, has further intensified congestion. Against this backdrop, the administration has expedited key procedures, setting a target to complete the first phase—developing a 50-metre-wide road—by June 2026.

The overall development plan proposes an 84-metre-wide road. In the initial phase, a 50-metre stretch will be executed, with land acquisition processes being carried out by the municipal corporation in coordination with the district administration. Officials said the process has reached its final stage.

Field-level work, including boundary marking and the assessment of trees and plantations, began on April 7 across the 3.5-km stretch. In the first phase, around 52,630 square metres of land from 129 properties will be acquired.

A joint committee, under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and District Collector Jitendra Dudi, has been formed to monitor the process. The final award proposal has been submitted to the state government for approval, which is expected soon.

The project has received strong financial backing, with approximately ₹140 crore sanctioned by the state government and around ₹300 crore allocated by the municipal corporation specifically for land acquisition. Officials confirmed that the required funds for acquisition have been fully deposited.

Speaking on the project, Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the Katraj–Kondhwa road is a critical arterial route for the city. He added that both the municipal and district administrations are working in coordination to expedite land acquisition and ensure smoother and safer traffic movement. The project is expected to significantly reduce congestion in the area.

Senior officials, including Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divte, Deputy Commissioner (Land Acquisition) Nikhil More, and Special Land Acquisition Officer Mrs Darunkar, have been closely monitoring the process to ensure timely execution.

The 50-metre-wide road in the first phase will include the main carriageway, service roads on both sides, a stormwater drainage system (U-drain), and a grade separator at Mauli Nagar. The final 84-metre plan will additionally feature parking spaces, footpath, a cycle track, utility ducts, stormwater drains, and a sewage line.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi said that transparency and speed are being prioritised in the land acquisition process, with continuous follow-up to complete all administrative steps on time and accelerate the project.

An allocation of ₹85 crore has been made for the project in the 2026–27 budget. Officials said around 32% of the work has been completed so far, and efforts are underway to fast-track the remaining work under the supervision of the city engineer and other concerned departments.

Meanwhile, a flyover being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India at Rajas Chowk extends up to around 260 metres. To facilitate traffic movement during the construction of its landing, service roads of approximately 400 metres are being developed, with part of the work already completed and the rest in progress.

With coordinated efforts between the state government and the municipal corporation, the Katraj–Kondhwa road project is progressing steadily. Authorities expect that once completed, it will ease traffic congestion and significantly improve daily commuting conditions for residents.