Pune MLA Urges Immediate Construction of Eight Underpasses on Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway
Chinchwad BJP MLA Shankar Jagtap has made a strong demand for the immediate construction of eight 'box structure' underpasses along the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway (NH-48). This urgent call aims to address the worsening traffic congestion between Kiwale and Baner in Pune, which has become a critical issue for residents and commuters.
Raising the Issue in Assembly Session
During the ongoing assembly session on Thursday, Jagtap highlighted that the existing underpasses on this stretch have transformed into major chokepoints, severely disrupting traffic flow. He pointed out that while the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already prepared a detailed project report (DPR) based on previous recommendations, the proposal remains stalled at the government level, causing unnecessary delays in implementation.
Government Response and Technical Review
Responding to the demand, State Urban Development Minister Madhuri Misal stated, "The technical feasibility of the project will be reviewed, and appropriate action initiated soon." This indicates that the government is taking the matter seriously, though concrete timelines for the review and subsequent actions have not been specified yet.
Historical Context and Previous Appeals
This is not the first time MLA Jagtap has pushed for these crucial infrastructure upgrades. In November last year, he raised the issue directly with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. In his appeal, Jagtap emphasised that the highway passes through critical IT and education hubs, industrial zones, and rapidly growing residential townships, making efficient traffic management essential for regional development.
Traffic Crisis in Pune's Key Areas
"Traffic has been a long-standing grievance in Pune, and the situation has deteriorated significantly over the last few years," Jagtap stated. He explained that the highway cuts through densely populated areas and intersects major junctions at Punawale, Baner, Balewadi, Wakad, Hinjewadi, Kiwale, and Ravet, making seamless movement nearly impossible for daily commuters.
Advantages of Box Structure Underpasses
Box structure underpasses are considered an efficient solution for highway crossings because they utilise advanced technology that requires less construction time and offers flexibility for future modifications. This makes them particularly suitable for addressing urgent traffic needs while minimising disruption during construction phases.
Current NHAI Proposals and Delays
Currently, NHAI has several proposals aimed at easing the gridlock, including:
- Widening the service roads from 12 metres to 24 metres on both sides
- Constructing an elevated flyover from Kiwale to Narhe to bypass local traffic
However, both projects have faced significant delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and logistical challenges, further exacerbating the traffic situation.
Impact on Residents and Commuters
The lack of adequate infrastructure has hit residents of developing suburbs like Punawale and Tathawade the hardest. With only two existing underpasses to handle the massive volume of vehicles, daily commutes have become an ordeal for many. A significant number of these residents are IT professionals working in Hinjewadi who report spending hours stuck in traffic, particularly at the Punawale underpass.
Monsoon Woes and Critical Situations
The situation turns critical during the monsoon season, as one of the primary underpasses frequently floods. This forces all vehicular movement through a single route, paralysing traffic for hours and leaving commuters stranded. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for resilient infrastructure that can withstand seasonal challenges while maintaining smooth traffic flow.
The demand for these eight underpasses represents a crucial step toward alleviating Pune's chronic traffic problems and supporting the region's economic growth through improved connectivity.
