MSRDC’s Proposal For Nine Flyovers On Old Mumbai-Pune Highway Pending With Center For Seven Years
MSRDC's Proposal For Nine Flyovers On Old Mumbai-Pune Highway Pending With Center For Seven Years
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) proposal for constructing nine flyovers on the old Mumbai-Pune highway, aimed at resolving traffic congestion, has been pending for the past seven years. The proposal has not received any response from the Union Ministry of Roads and Highways, resulting in the continued traffic bottleneck on the highway, stated a report published by Loksatta.
In 2018, MSRDC submitted a proposal to the central government, identifying nine critical locations where flyovers were needed to alleviate traffic congestion and accident-related issues. Despite the highway being a fast-paced route, the high volume of vehicles has led to significant congestion. An expert report was prepared to assess accident-prone areas and congested intersections along the highway.
The proposal recommended the construction of flyovers at nine specific locations: Somatane Phata, Limb Phata, Talegaon-Chakan Road, MIDC Wadgaon, Dehuroad Y Junction, Wadgaon Phata, Nigdi Phata to Kamshet, Karla Phata, and Kanhe Phata, where sharp curves and hilly terrain have led to reduced speeds and accidents.
The report highlights the need for these flyovers to address the traffic issues between Khopoli and Lonavala, a 16-kilometer stretch, where sharp turns and elevation changes are causing frequent accidents.
Key points from the proposal include:
- Each flyover would be 300 to 500 meters long.
- The expected cost for the construction of these flyovers was estimated at ₹208 crores (seven years ago).
- The flyovers are planned to be built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
- It is expected that the construction will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 45 minutes.
Despite the preparation of the detailed plan by MSRDC, the proposal has been waiting for approval from the central government. The continued delay in its approval has left the traffic problems unresolved.
- Rahul Vasaikar, Chief Engineer, MSRDC
