In a significant development, the Air Force Station (AFS) in Pune has made a commendable gesture by allocating 2,350 square feet of land to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the construction of a vital 500-meter road, bridging the gap between Pune Airport and Viman Nagar. This strategic road project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion, is already in progress, with 200 meters of the road completed.
Under the terms of a 30-year lease, the AFS has granted this land to the PMC for an annual lease amount of Rs 2,350. The proposed road is planned to be 24 meters wide with four lanes, ensuring smooth vehicular movement. According to Vikas Dhakne, the additional commissioner of PMC, the completion of this new thoroughfare is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the area.
To bolster the security of the Indian Air Force (IAF) campus, the PMC is concurrently erecting protective walls on both sides of the road. Sanjay Dharav, the executive engineer of the civic body, has disclosed that the construction of these walls is slated for completion within the next three weeks, after which the road-related work will commence.
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the project, a senior IAF officer affirmed that PMC obtained permission after a thorough examination of all project aspects. Emphasizing the positive impact of this initiative, the officer stated that the road would provide substantial relief to air travelers and contribute to the overall decongestion of routes leading to the airport.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, residents of Viman Nagar and Lohegaon, along with activists, have implored the PMC to expedite the road construction. They argue that the existing infrastructure struggles to accommodate the daily traffic influx towards Lohegaon, Vishrantwadi, and Dhanori.
