Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has approved the development of seven major roads in the Wakad , Punawale and Tathawade areas. Civic officials claimed that this project, as per the development plan (DP), will reduce traffic congestion to a large extent by improving over 75% of the road network in the said areas. Municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh, also the administrator of the civic body, had approved the proposal for various works on these roads in a standing committee meeting on Sept 26.
The residents of these three areas, which were merged into PCMC in 1997, have for long been demanding basic civic infrastructure. All three localities are amongst the most rapidly growing in the twin cities, as they are located near the Hinjewadi IT Park, and a large number of IT professionals have settled here in the last few years. PCMC city engineer Makarand Kulkarni told TOI that this is the first such major development of roads in these areas.
"Drainage and stormwater line works will also be done here before the construction of roads begins. We plan to complete these road works in the next two years," he said. Asked about land acquisition for the project, Kulkarni said over 60% of land needed is already in possession of PCMC and the remaining will also be acquired soon.
"Around 75% of the road network will be better in the areas once these works are completed as per the DP. Civic teams are currently carrying out surveys to identify development in the remaining 25% ar.