Pune: The long-awaited Katraj flyover project is set for completion by December 2025, following significant progress in recent months. The construction, previously stalled due to land acquisition and traffic management challenges, is now advancing steadily, with girders being placed on the flyover’s pillars.
To assess the progress, MLC Yogesh Tilekar, along with officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other departments, conducted a site inspection and reviewed potential obstacles. Tilekar directed the authorities to ensure that the project is completed within the extended deadline while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Flyover to Ease Traffic Congestion in Katraj and Kondhwa
Once completed, the flyover is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion at Katraj Chowk and along Kondhwa Road. Tilekar emphasized the importance of the project, stating: "This flyover will provide a permanent solution to traffic issues in the area. Additionally, to expedite the pending work on the 24/7 water supply scheme, traffic police have been instructed to facilitate necessary planning and permissions."
Senior officials present at the site visit included Prabhakar Kadam, former Sarpanch Vyankoji Khopde, Tushar Kadam, Vikas Fate, Raju Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police Amol Zende, Assistant Commissioners Ashwini Rakh and Shilpa Lambe, Road Department Head Aniruddha Pawaskar, Deputy Engineer Dilip Pandkar, NHAI Executive Engineer Shruti Naik, Branch Engineer Salim Shaikh, Water Supply Officer Shrikant Vaydande, and Ward Office Representative Laxman Kadbane.
Katraj-Kondhwa Road Widening: Funds Allocated, But Delays Persist
The Katraj-Kondhwa Road widening project, planned to expand the stretch to 84 meters, has also faced delays due to land acquisition issues. The project requires a 50-meter section for the main and service roads. Seven months ago, the Maharashtra state government sanctioned ₹140 crore to compensate affected property owners, with a total fund availability of ₹280 crore, including contributions from the municipal corporation. However, progress has been slow.
MLC Tilekar announced that he would raise the issue in the upcoming Legislative Council budget session, urging swift action. The district administration will acquire the remaining 32 properties by providing compensation, ensuring that the road-widening project can be completed within the next one to two years.
Shruti Naik, Executive Engineer at NHAI, provided an update on the flyover’s construction: "The work of placing girders is proceeding rapidly. All girders required for the project are ready. If the municipal corporation hands over the necessary land at the flyover’s exit points, we can complete the embankment work before the monsoon. We are making every effort to meet the December 2025 deadline."
Meanwhile, Aniruddha Pawaskar, Chief Engineer of the Road Department, confirmed the commencement of road construction at Katraj Chowk after acquiring key properties: "Following the acquisition of Sanjay Gugale’s land, construction has begun immediately. Instead of asphalt, the road will be concretized, and we expect completion by the first week of April. The road will be open to traffic within 15 days of completion."
