Bombay High Court Issues Urgent Directive for Pune Bridge Approach Route
The Bombay High Court has issued a decisive order on Wednesday, directing the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the district collector to complete the acquisition of a 10 guntha (10,890 square feet) land parcel within one year. This land is essential for constructing an approach route to the new Balewadi-Wakad bridge, which has remained unused for over eight years despite being fully constructed.
Court Mandates Swift Action to Resolve Long-Standing Issue
A bench comprising Justice Manish Pitale and Justice Shreeram V Shirsat emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, "The process of acquisition shall be initiated forthwith and it shall be completed at the earliest and in any case, within a period of one year from today." The bridge, designed to connect the Baner-Balewadi areas with Wakad across the Mula River, has been operational-ready since its completion but inaccessible due to the lack of an approach road.
The land acquisition has been delayed primarily due to compensation disputes. On April 9, 2025, the high court had disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by residents of Balewadi and Wakad, instructing the state government's land acquisition department to immediately consider the PMC's proposal and finalize the necessary formalities.
Legal Proceedings and Resident Advocacy
Ankush Balwadkar, the landowner, filed a writ petition seeking fair compensation and a stay on the acquisition. The case was pending before the same bench. Advocate Satya Muley, representing the residents in the PIL, intervened by highlighting the court's earlier order from April 9, 2025. Muley argued that the neighborhoods of Baner and Balewadi under PMC jurisdiction are separated from Wakad and Kaspate Vasti in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation by the Mula River.
Over the past two decades, these areas have experienced exponential growth in population, construction, and commercial development, amplifying the need for improved connectivity. The bench acknowledged this urgency, noting, "We are of the opinion that the urgency in the matter for construction of an approach road to the bridge over the Mula-Mutha river in Pune cannot be denied. The bridge has been already constructed but the public at large is unable to use the same, for the reason that the approach road could not be constructed."
Compensation and Procedural Steps
The PMC has expressed readiness to facilitate the land acquisition by depositing the required percentage of compensation with the land acquisition officer. The procedure will adhere to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The bench observed that the petitioner is not opposed to the acquisition, provided he receives just, fair, and reasonable compensation.
Muley commented to TOI, "When the landowner filed the present writ petition and sought a stay on land acquisition, it was the duty of the PMC to inform the court about the final outcome in PIL 106 of 2024 in which the high court had already directed land acquisition under urgency clause."
Outstanding Claims and Future Actions
Regarding the petitioner's claim that a portion of his land was used for constructing bridge pillars, the high court refrained from expressing an opinion. Instead, it left the matter open for the petitioner to pursue legally, including any claims for rental compensation. This decision aims to balance public interest with individual rights, ensuring a transparent and lawful resolution.
The court's order references the plight of the general public, as noted in PIL No. 106 of 2024, where authorities were expected to act promptly. With this new directive, the long-awaited connectivity between Baner-Balewadi and Wakad is poised to become a reality, addressing critical infrastructure needs in Pune's rapidly developing regions.
