Work Begins on Pune Ring Road Project, MSRDC Clarifies Ceremony Confusion
Construction on the eastern segment of Pune’s ambitious Outer Ring Road, a key infrastructure initiative under the Mahayuti government, has commenced, but not without some controversy. A traditional puja conducted by the contractor on December 2 has been mistaken by some as the project’s formal groundbreaking ceremony. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) clarified that the event was solely a ritual to inaugurate new machinery, attended by company officials and locals, and not an official foundation stone-laying ceremony.
Progress on the Eastern Segment
The initial work has begun on the 24.5 km stretch connecting Pune-Nagar Road to Solapur Highway, undertaken by Roadway Solution India Infra Ltd. The contractor has set up operations in Wadebolai village near Kesnand and deployed more than 100 excavators and heavy machinery to ensure swift progress.
Project Overview: Pune Ring Road
The Pune Ring Road, managed by the MSRDC, is divided into:
- Eastern Corridor: 71.35 km, planned in four phases.
- Western Corridor: 65.45 km, planned in five phases.
The eastern section will pass through Maval, Khed, Haveli, Purandar, and Bhor talukas, while the western section will cover Bhor, Haveli, Mulshi, and Maval talukas.
Revised Specifications and Costs
Originally estimated at ₹10,159.82 crore in 2021 for a 68.19 km stretch, the revised length of 72.335 km has pushed the total cost to ₹19,932.98 crore. The project includes:
- 8 tunnels and 5 bridges (2 large, 3 small).
- A 500-meter bridge spanning the backwaters of Khadakwasla Dam.
MSRDC Statement
MSRDC Superintendent Engineer Rahul Vasaikar addressed the confusion, stating, “The foundation stone laying ceremony for the Ring Road Project has not yet taken place. The contractor conducted a puja for their machinery.”
The Pune Ring Road Project aims to enhance regional connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion. While the misunderstanding highlights the anticipation surrounding the project, its rapid progress marks a significant milestone in Pune’s infrastructure development.