The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) finds itself at a crossroads as the construction of the double-decker flyover on Ganesh Khind Road faces significant delays due to legal battles and environmental challenges. The slow progress prompts contemplation of cost revisions, adding another layer of complexity to the ambitious project aimed at easing traffic congestion and accommodating the Pune Metro line 3 expansion.
Following a petition filed in the High Court (HC) regarding tree cutting, a committee was established to review the environmental impact of the road widening necessary for the project. The HC’s directive to prioritize minimal tree felling while facilitating infrastructure development underscores the delicate balance between progress and environmental conservation.
The proposed flyover, spanning 881 meters, represents a crucial component of the broader infrastructure overhaul, with the elevated Metro rail route forming the upper deck and additional roads connecting to Ganesh Khind Road comprising the lower deck. However, concerns raised by civic activists regarding tree removal for road widening have prompted legal intervention, leading to a halt in construction until a resolution is reached.
Rinaj Pathan, chief engineer at PMRDA, acknowledges the project’s setback, citing delays attributed to the ongoing tree cutting issues. With the majority of road widening completed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the focus now shifts to resolving environmental concerns to resume flyover construction seamlessly. Pathan emphasizes the necessity of calculating financial losses incurred due to project delays, particularly concerning the Pune Metro line 3 development under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The PPP framework stipulates provisions for addressing project delays, typically involving escalation costs borne by the government in case of prolonged setbacks. While land acquisition remains a primary responsibility of governmental bodies, delays often stem from associated challenges, further complicating infrastructure initiatives.
In response to the prevailing uncertainties, PMC officials express optimism regarding an imminent resolution. Vikas Dhakane, additional municipal commissioner, anticipates the committee’s report, signaling readiness to proceed with legal proceedings to expedite the project. Manoj Ghate, engineer of the PMC road department, confirms the committee’s completion of site inspections and meetings, with the next court hearing scheduled for April 17, 2024, poised to provide clarity on the path forward.
As stakeholders navigate legal and environmental intricacies, the fate of the Ganesh Khind Road flyover hangs in the balance, highlighting the inherent challenges of balancing development aspirations with environmental preservation in urban landscapes.
