Lack of State Funds Hampers Efforts to Ease Traffic Congestion and Safety Concerns
Pune, India – The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) finds itself grappling with substantial delays in the widening of the crucial Katraj-Kondhwa Road, attributed to a funding shortfall from the state government. Despite efforts to acquire land for the project, the PMC remains in limbo, awaiting the release of Rs 140 crore earmarked for the endeavor.
Stagnation Amidst Financial Crunch:
- The dearth of funds has brought progress on the Katraj-Kondhwa Road widening project to a standstill, leaving commuters to contend with persistent traffic congestion and safety hazards on the narrow thoroughfare, particularly during peak hours.
- While the PMC has secured possession of 1.6 lakh square meters of land, an additional 1.28 lakh square meters must be acquired to facilitate the project’s advancement.
Funding Shortfall Impedes Project Goals:
- Despite the state government’s approval of Rs 200 crore for the project, the allocated sum falls short of the required Rs 360 crore needed to achieve the envisioned width of 84 meters.
- The allocated funds are only adequate for the construction of a 50-meter-wide road, leaving a substantial gap in financing for the comprehensive widening initiative.
Partial Progress Amidst Challenges:
- Despite the financial constraints, the PMC has mobilized Rs 48 crore from public funds for the road project, signaling some progress in the endeavor.
- Notably, approximately half of the road’s service lines have been laid out, indicative of incremental advancements despite the overarching funding impediments.
Urgent Need for Action:
- The funding deficit poses a significant obstacle to the timely completion of the Katraj-Kondhwa Road widening project, underscoring the pressing need for swift intervention to expedite the initiative.
- Addressing the financial shortfall is imperative to alleviate the myriad challenges faced by residents and commuters along the Katraj-Kondhwa Road, with enhanced road infrastructure essential for mitigating congestion and enhancing safety measures.
