Gadkari Says Three Major Elevated Corridors In Pune To Be Launched Soon

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday (6 March) announced that three major elevated corridor projects in Pune will be launched within the next 30 days, with tenders already finalised for stretches connecting Kharadi-Shirur, Bhairobanala-Yavat, and Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur.

Gadkari announced at a press conference after a review of highway projects in the city that construction would begin shortly, bringing much-needed relief to Pune's commuters.

He attributed the delays to a Union Cabinet policy requiring completion of over 90 per cent land acquisition before work can begin.

"Because of this condition, several projects were delayed. I have now instructed the concerned agencies to expedite the remaining procedures so that work can start at the earliest," he said.

The corridors are being built jointly by the National Highways Authority of India and the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation.

Senior NHAI and MSIDC officials were present at the briefing alongside Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation representatives.

Gadkari also outlined a broader plan to tackle Pune's congestion, noting that six major projects involving double-decker flyovers and highways between six and ten lanes have been proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 45,000 crore.

He said the Centre was open to bearing the full construction cost provided Maharashtra reduces the 9 per cent GST and waives royalties on raw materials.

The minister also spoke about the Pune-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Green Express Highway, pegged at Rs 15,000 crore, saying its detailed project report was ready. "The 190-km journey from Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will take about two hours and fifteen minutes," he said.

On the long-pending Mumbai-Goa Highway, Gadkari said 95 per cent of work was complete but added pointedly, "I will travel on the route to inspect it, but I will not inaugurate it."

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