In a crucial move towards the realization of the proposed Pune Ring Road, Pune divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar has directed district officials to expedite the land acquisition process and prevent any delays associated with upcoming elections.
The Pune Ring Road project encompasses two phases of land acquisition covering a total of 169 kilometers, with a requirement for acquiring 1,813.26 hectares of private land. The ongoing process is currently focused on the western phase.
During a meeting held on Thursday, Commissioner Pulkundwar emphasized the need for a swift land acquisition process to facilitate the appointment of contractors for infrastructure work by June. This timeline is contingent upon the successful completion of the entire land acquisition process for both the western and eastern phases.
According to Pulkundwar, discussions were held with Anil Kumar Gaikwad, Managing Director, and Vice-Chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) on Wednesday. The MSRDC is keen to expedite the turnover of land for the project, with the western phase nearing completion and expectations for faster progress in the eastern phase.
In the western phase, 525 hectares have already been acquired out of the total 644 hectares. However, the eastern phase has faced resistance from villagers at Chambali in Purandar and Shivre in Bhor. MSRDC Engineer Rahul Vasaikar noted that tenders are expected to be submitted by the first week of March, with a decision on the contractor’s appointment to follow within a month.
