Pune Residents Can Expect Relief From Choking Traffic as PMC Begins Compulsory Land Acquisition for Roads
Pune, July 23, 2025: Pune commuters may soon experience much-needed relief from chronic traffic congestion as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated compulsory land acquisition for road expansion projects. The civic body has started the process of acquiring private land for public infrastructure, even in cases where legal disputes exist.
Compulsory Acquisition Despite Legal Disputes
A senior PMC official stated, “The land will be acquired even if there is a legal dispute. Most disputes revolve around compensation amounts or types. The compensation will be deposited in court and disbursed to landowners based on the final court decision.”
This move is backed by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, which governs such acquisitions. The PMC is exercising its legal authority to acquire land for public welfare, irrespective of landowners’ consent.
Focus on 20 Key Roads to Reduce Traffic Burden
The PMC has prioritized land acquisition for 20 crucial roads, aiming to decongest nearly 60 km of key stretches that handle 70% of Pune’s daily traffic. Aniruddha Pawaskar, head of PMC’s road department, said, “We are acquiring land to complete missing road links, which will significantly reduce traffic pressure on major roads.”
42 Proposals Under Discussion
Currently, 42 proposals related to compulsory land acquisition are under consideration, with 34 concerning road projects and the remaining eight linked to other departments like PMPML and state transport.
Priority Roads & Infrastructure Projects
The PMC has prioritized:
- Katraj-Kondhwa Road
- Satara-Mumbai Road
- Pune-Hadapsar-Solapur Road
- Approach road for the proposed Sun City-Karvenagar bridge
- Land near Mahatma Phule Wada and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial
Collaboration with Police & District Administration
A recent meeting with district administration and police officials discussed expediting land acquisition. If necessary, police assistance will be sought to ensure smooth execution.
This initiative is expected to transform Pune’s traffic landscape, providing long-awaited relief to daily commuters.
