Pune: In a major breakthrough for Pune’s traffic management, Katraj Chowk is set to become congestion-free as the long-pending land acquisition process has finally been completed. After 28 years of delays, 39 gunthas of land (out of 62 gunthas) have been officially handed over to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), clearing the way for the expansion of the 60-meter Development Plan (DP) road.
This acquisition is expected to provide much-needed relief to thousands of daily commuters who have been struggling with severe traffic congestion at Katraj Chowk and on Kondhwa Road.
The official transfer process was completed in the presence of municipal authorities. PMC has paid ₹21 crore in cash to the landowners as compensation for the acquired land. The legal dispute had stalled the process for years, with landowners Sanjay Ramesh Gugale and Ankit Madanraj Sakariya initially resisting the handover due to concerns over compensation. However, with Gugale now agreeing to the settlement, the road clearance process can move forward.
The main Katraj Chowk and Kondhwa Road have been notorious for severe traffic congestion due to the pending land acquisition. With the land now secured, the expansion of the 60-meter-wide DP road will finally begin, ensuring a smoother traffic flow. Many residents, however, expressed their disappointment that the delay cost several lives due to accidents over the years.
This long-awaited development follows consistent efforts by local representatives, citizens, and municipal authorities. The Land Acquisition and Management Department of the PMC had been actively pursuing the matter over the past year.
Under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale and Additional Commissioner Prithviraj P. B., Deputy Commissioner Pratibha Patil executed the acquisition process. Other officials present at the site included former corporators Prakash Kadam, Vasant More, and Swaraj Babar, as well as senior engineers Dilip Pandkar, Dingambar Bangar, Rupali Dhage, and Santosh Shinde.
Officials have assured that road construction work will begin immediately to address Pune’s persistent traffic woes.
Sanjay Gugale, Landowner, said, "This issue had been pending for years. However, we have now handed over the land through mutual agreement. Due to certain challenges, citizens had to suffer for a long time, but now there are no obstacles to PMC starting road construction."
Aniruddha Pawaskar, Superintendent Engineer, Road Department: "This was a crucial piece of land, and its acquisition had been challenging. Now that the handover is complete, we will take immediate action and start road construction, bringing long-awaited relief from traffic congestion."