Pune: The Mumbai High Court has lifted the stay order on the Balbharati-Paud Phata road project, rejecting the petition filed by Nagari Chetana Manch. The court ruled that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) followed proper procedures while planning the road, providing a major relief to PMC.
The 1.8 km road, designed to connect Kothrud and Senapati Bapat Road, will start from Balbharati, pass through Vetal Tekdi, run behind the Law College, and end at Paud Phata near Kelewadi. The project, originally planned in PMC’s Development Plan, is estimated to cost ₹252.13 crore.
To ease traffic congestion on Karve Road, Paud Road, Law College Road, and Senapati Bapat Road, PMC proposed this new road. To reduce environmental impact, the 400-meter stretch will be elevated, ensuring minimum damage to Vetal Tekdi.
Environmental activists and citizens strongly opposed the project, fearing deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and drying of natural water sources. Allegations also surfaced that the road was designed to benefit a private builder. Thousands of citizens protested, leading Nagari Chetana Manch to file a petition in the High Court, resulting in a stay order on construction.
However, after reviewing PMC’s revised plans and justifications, the High Court ruled in favor of the municipal corporation, allowing the project to proceed.
During planning, an excavation site near Paud Phata was identified as an obstacle. Additionally, the original alignment passed through slum areas and private properties, leading to modifications. The revised route, approximately 125 meters away from the initial plan, resulted in a cost increase of ₹17 crore, bringing the total budget to ₹252.13 crore.
Aniruddha Pawaskar, PMC Road Department Head: "The High Court has dismissed the petition against the Balbharati-Paud Phata road and allowed construction to proceed after obtaining necessary approvals."
Nisha Chavan, PMC Legal Advisor: "We have obtained all necessary permissions, and the road was included in the Development Plan after addressing objections and suggestions. Since the court found PMC’s position valid, the stay has been lifted. A caveat will also be filed in the Supreme Court."
Ujjwal Keskar, Former Corporator: "Some political figures attempted to block the project, but the court has now cleared the way. All city leaders should come together to inaugurate this important road."