The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD), in a bid to tackle traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, especially on the heavily used Shikrapur-Chakan-Talegaon-Lonavala corridor, has proposed a new highway.
According to a report by HT, the ₹12,000 crore project includes a four-lane highway connecting Shirur, Chakan, Talegaon, Shiroli, Karjat, and JNPT (Uran), spanning around 135 kilometers. The road will reduce traffic on city roads; however, it is still under review and has yet to receive final approval from the state cabinet.
Due to the presence of industrial areas in Chakan and Shirur, the roads experience frequent bottlenecks, and many commuters often complain about the congestion on social media. This project, however, is expected to reduce nearly 80% of the traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Relief from Chakan traffic?
Recently, in his 11th state budget in the assembly, Pawar announced that work on the Pune to Shirur elevated road, spanning 564 km and worth ₹7,515 crores, will be undertaken. Additionally, a 25 km road from Talegaon to Chakan, including four elevated roads, will be developed with an estimated expenditure of ₹6,499 crores.
Furthermore, he noted that the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune will undergo renovation of its sports facilities, and the Shivsrushti project in Ambegaon, Pune, will receive ₹50 crore in funding.
Additionally, in good news for Punekars traveling to Chakan MIDC, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new metro line from Nigdi to Chakan has commenced and is expected to be finished by next month. The proposed Nigdi to Chakan metro route spans a total distance of 42 km, connecting key areas such as Nigdi, Mukai Chowk, Wakad, Nashik Phata, Chakan, Ravet, Link Road, Bhosari, and Moshi.
