Pune: The long-delayed Spine Road project, connecting Bhakti-Shakti Square in Nigdi to the Pune-Nashik Highway, is making significant progress after being stalled for over 20 years due to land acquisition issues.

Once completed, this road will serve as a vital link between multiple highways, including the Pune-Mumbai Highway, Pune-Nashik Highway, and Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway (Dehu Road-Katraj Bypass).

The 550-meter-long Spine Road is 50% complete, with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation actively working to resolve land acquisition concerns.

Designed as a 75-meter-wide road, the current construction includes a 37-meter-wide section featuring two 12-meter lanes, a 9-meter-wide mass transit corridor, and 2-meter-wide paved shoulders on both sides. Asphalt work for a 270-meter stretch of the road has already been completed.

The new road is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on major city roads by diverting heavy vehicles. It will also provide smoother connectivity between key areas, including Talawade IT Park and Chakan MIDC, making it a crucial infrastructure upgrade.

The project promises environmental benefits, including better air quality and efficient drainage systems to minimize waterlogging during monsoons.

According to Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Chief Engineer Pramod Ombhase, efforts are being made to expedite the remaining construction work. Once the pending land acquisition is completed, the road will be open to the public.