In a major move aimed at alleviating traffic congestion along one of Pune’s busiest corridors, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to widen the Katraj-Kondhwa road and is simultaneously fast-tracking the construction of an alternative route to divert vehicular load during the upgrade. Municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing work near Shatrunjay Temple on Saturday, emphasizing the need for swift execution and high-quality construction to ensure citizens benefit at the earliest.

The Katraj-Kondhwa road, a key arterial stretch connecting southern and central Pune, has long been notorious for traffic snarls, particularly during peak hours. The increasing number of vehicles in the city, coupled with rapid urban expansion and commercial activity along the corridor, has made congestion a pressing issue for daily commuters. To address this challenge, PMC has not only earmarked ₹500 crore for land acquisition but has also initiated the development of an alternative road to manage traffic efficiently while the main stretch undergoes comprehensive widening.

“The alternative route must be completed quickly and with the best quality so that citizens can benefit at the earliest,” Commissioner Ram said during his inspection. He reviewed progress with officials from the roads department, project consultants, and other stakeholders, stressing the importance of maintaining high construction standards while adhering to timelines. The alternative route, he noted, would serve as a temporary corridor to relieve pressure on the existing road until the main Katraj-Kondhwa stretch is fully upgraded.

The primary goal of the PMC’s initiative is to widen the Katraj-Kondhwa road to 50 metres, a significant expansion from its current width. The civic body plans to initiate full-scale development of this corridor as soon as land possession is completed. Recognizing the critical role of property owners in facilitating the project, Commissioner Ram appealed to them to cooperate promptly. “The corporation has already reserved ₹500 crore for land acquisition, so citizens should not hesitate to grant working permission,” he said. Ram assured property owners of timely compensation, emphasizing the PMC’s commitment to fair dealings and transparency in the process.

In addition to the 50-metre expansion, PMC plans to initiate the acquisition process for the remaining 34-metre stretch along the corridor. This will ensure comprehensive road development and improve the overall flow of traffic in the area. The alternative route is being strategically designed to handle heavy vehicular loads and serve as a smooth detour for commuters, minimizing inconvenience during the construction period. Project planners are coordinating with traffic management authorities to ensure safety, efficient traffic diversion, and minimal disruption for daily commuters.

The land acquisition and road widening initiative forms part of PMC’s broader strategy to modernize Pune’s infrastructure and reduce urban congestion. Officials noted that this is not an isolated project; Commissioner Ram has been conducting regular field visits across multiple areas of Pune, including Wagholi, Lohegaon, Mohammadwadi, and Katraj-Kondhwa, to monitor civic works and interact directly with residents and local representatives. These visits focus on ensuring timely execution of projects, addressing on-ground challenges, and maintaining transparency in all development activities.

During his site inspections, Commissioner Ram has reviewed progress on various civic infrastructure projects, including road widening, drainage improvements, and waste management initiatives. He has stressed a citizen-centric approach to urban governance, emphasizing that infrastructure projects should be executed with the objective of improving day-to-day life for Pune’s residents. Officials highlight that PMC’s approach integrates efficient planning, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to environmental and safety standards to create sustainable urban solutions.

The widening of the Katraj-Kondhwa road is expected to bring multiple benefits to the city. By expanding the road to 50 metres, PMC aims to reduce congestion, enhance vehicular movement, and improve connectivity between residential, commercial, and industrial zones along the corridor. The development will not only reduce travel time for daily commuters but also improve access for emergency services, public transport, and logistics vehicles. Additionally, the project aligns with PMC’s broader goal of creating a modern, citizen-friendly urban infrastructure capable of supporting Pune’s growing population and vehicular demands.

Traffic experts have noted that arterial roads like Katraj-Kondhwa are critical for maintaining overall traffic flow across the city. The widening project, combined with the development of an alternative route, is expected to significantly reduce bottlenecks and improve commute efficiency. Moreover, such infrastructure upgrades are likely to support economic activity in the region by easing transportation of goods, facilitating smoother movement for employees, and enhancing accessibility to commercial establishments along the corridor.

PMC officials also indicated that the project’s planning includes provisions for pedestrian safety, proper signage, and effective traffic management. The widened road will include lanes for public transport vehicles, improved drainage systems to prevent waterlogging during monsoons, and landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the corridor. By incorporating these features, the civic body aims to create a comprehensive urban transport solution that addresses not just vehicular flow but also the safety and convenience of pedestrians and commuters.

The financial commitment of ₹500 crore for land acquisition underscores the scale and importance of the project. Land acquisition is often a critical hurdle in infrastructure projects, and the allocation of substantial funds demonstrates PMC’s readiness to facilitate timely possession and ensure that construction proceeds without undue delays. Commissioner Ram’s repeated appeals to property owners to cooperate highlight the collaborative approach being adopted by the civic administration to balance development needs with citizen rights and compensation concerns.

Once completed, the Katraj-Kondhwa road widening and the alternative route are expected to serve as a model for other urban infrastructure projects in Pune. The project reflects a focus on planning, execution, and citizen engagement, addressing both immediate traffic challenges and long-term urban mobility goals. PMC’s strategy demonstrates an understanding that modern urban development requires not only physical infrastructure but also effective governance, communication, and coordination among multiple stakeholders.

In conclusion, the widening of the Katraj-Kondhwa road, supported by a ₹500 crore provision for land acquisition and complemented by the construction of an alternative route, represents a significant step forward in Pune’s urban development agenda. By combining infrastructure expansion with proactive citizen engagement and careful planning, PMC aims to create a smoother, safer, and more efficient transport corridor that benefits residents, commuters, and businesses alike. Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram’s hands-on approach, marked by regular site inspections and direct interaction with stakeholders, reflects a commitment to citizen-centric governance and timely execution of urban projects. As the city prepares for the monsoon of 2026, authorities are hopeful that these initiatives will substantially reduce traffic bottlenecks and contribute to a more organized, modern, and livable Pune.