Pune, October 16, 2025 – The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to conduct a site visit today to the proposed Balbharati-Paud Phata Link Road project, a day after the Supreme Court directed the civic body to obtain environmental clearance before initiating any construction work. Officials from the PMC confirmed that the site visit is part of preparatory measures to comply with the court’s directives and to chart out the next steps for the long-delayed infrastructure project.

The proposed Balbharati-Paud Phata Link Road has been under discussion since 1987 and has faced multiple hurdles over the decades, including legal challenges, environmental concerns, and opposition from citizen groups. The project, which will stretch approximately 2.1 kilometers, aims to connect Paud Phata to Balbharati on Law College Road, passing through the ecologically sensitive area of the Indian Law Society (ILS) Hill. Once completed, the road is expected to significantly ease congestion on major arterial roads, including Law College Road, Fergusson College Road, and Karve Road, which currently experience heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours.

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, PMC officials emphasized that compliance with environmental norms is a priority. Prashant Waghmare, the city engineer, stated that the administration is committed to securing the necessary approvals before commencing work. “We carried out a site inspection and discussed how to proceed following the Supreme Court’s directions. The PMC will appoint a consultant to secure approval from the environment department and aims to obtain it within two months,” said Waghmare. He further clarified that the civic body is focused on expediting preparatory work to ensure that once environmental clearance is received, the execution of the project can begin immediately.

An unnamed official from the PMC added that the court’s instructions provide a clear pathway for moving forward, provided all environmental norms are met. “There is now a clear go-ahead from the court, provided environmental norms are met. Once the clearance is received, we will immediately start execution,” the official said, emphasizing the civic body’s intention to balance infrastructure development with environmental responsibility.

The Supreme Court’s involvement in the matter underlines the sensitivity of the project. On Wednesday, a bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai instructed the PMC not to begin any construction until environmental clearance is obtained. The court also directed the state’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) authority to decide on the proposal within three months. This directive aims to ensure that the construction does not adversely affect the city’s environment, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas such as ILS Hill, which plays a critical role in maintaining Pune’s green cover and supporting groundwater recharge.

Environmental activists have voiced concerns that construction on ILS Hill could damage the remaining green cover in the city and impact groundwater recharge, which is vital for sustaining local ecosystems. They argue that any large-scale development in the area could disturb the natural landscape, affect biodiversity, and exacerbate urban flooding risks. These concerns have been central to opposition campaigns against the project and have influenced multiple delays in its approval and implementation.

Despite the environmental concerns, PMC officials maintain that the project is essential for addressing the growing traffic challenges in Pune. Law College Road, Fergusson College Road, and Karve Road are some of the busiest routes in the city, frequently witnessing gridlocks during rush hours. The Balbharati-Paud Phata Link Road is expected to serve as an alternative corridor, reducing traffic pressure on these arterial roads and improving connectivity between key parts of the city.

The proposed project has been in limbo for decades due to repeated legal challenges and opposition from environmental groups, local residents, and urban planning activists. The original proposal, drafted in 1987, has undergone several revisions over the years to accommodate changing city plans, traffic requirements, and environmental concerns. The Supreme Court’s recent intervention provides an opportunity for the PMC to move the project forward while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, a step that officials hope will help overcome years of delays.

To meet the court’s requirements, the PMC plans to appoint a consultant to oversee the environmental clearance process. This consultant will be responsible for preparing the necessary documentation, conducting environmental impact assessments, and liaising with the state’s environment department. Officials hope that this structured approach will allow the civic body to obtain clearance within two months, after which construction work can commence without legal or environmental impediments.

The estimated cost of the Balbharati-Paud Phata Link Road project is ₹160 crore. The project encompasses multiple elements, including road widening, construction of drainage systems, pedestrian pathways, and traffic management infrastructure to ensure safety and efficiency. Once completed, the link road is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, and provide a much-needed alternative route for commuters navigating Pune’s increasingly congested road network.

Local residents and commuters have expressed mixed reactions to the project. While many support the initiative for its potential to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity, environmentalists and civic groups continue to stress the importance of protecting Pune’s ecological resources. They have repeatedly urged the PMC to conduct thorough environmental assessments and ensure that construction practices are sustainable and minimize harm to the city’s natural landscape.

The court-mandated environmental clearance process is likely to include a detailed assessment of the potential impact on local flora and fauna, soil stability, groundwater recharge, and overall urban ecology. PMC officials have indicated that all such assessments will be conducted rigorously and transparently, with the goal of balancing urban development with ecological preservation. The appointment of an expert consultant is expected to ensure that all procedural requirements are met and that the project progresses within the legal framework established by the Supreme Court.

The Balbharati-Paud Phata Link Road project highlights a broader challenge faced by rapidly growing cities like Pune: the need to develop infrastructure to support urban mobility while simultaneously safeguarding the environment. With increasing population density, rising vehicular traffic, and limited green spaces, urban planners must navigate complex trade-offs between development and ecological sustainability. Projects like this link road exemplify the delicate balance between improving quality of life for residents and protecting the natural environment that sustains the city.

As the PMC prepares for its site visit, officials are expected to finalize key logistical and technical plans, including road alignment, construction methodology, and measures to minimize environmental disruption. The civic body has reiterated its commitment to adhering strictly to environmental norms and ensuring that the project meets all legal and regulatory requirements before work begins.

In conclusion, the Balbharati-Paud Phata Link Road project represents a significant step in Pune’s ongoing efforts to modernize its urban infrastructure and address chronic traffic congestion. Following the Supreme Court’s directives, the PMC is prioritizing environmental compliance, appointing a consultant, and expediting preparatory work to move the project forward. While the road promises to improve connectivity and reduce congestion, officials and environmentalists alike must work collaboratively to ensure that development proceeds responsibly, safeguarding Pune’s green cover and ecological balance.

The planned site visit today marks an important milestone in this decades-long project, as the civic body takes practical steps toward implementation while respecting legal mandates and environmental considerations. Residents, commuters, and environmentalists will closely monitor the process to ensure that the link road achieves its objectives without compromising the city’s ecological integrity.