PMC Initiates VIP Road Expansion to Lohegaon Airport in Pune; Roadworks Ramped Up Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit
PMC Initiates VIP Road Expansion to Lohegaon Airport in Pune; Roadworks Ramped Up Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started widening the VIP road connecting Lohegaon Airport, commonly used by high-ranking officials, after receiving permission from the Defence Department. Approximately six meters of land on both sides of the road will be utilized for expansion, aiming to reduce heavy traffic congestion in the area. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit for the Assembly Election campaign approaching, the pace of construction has been increased.
The VIP route, spanning 2.5 kilometers from Lohegaon Airport to Weikfield Chowk, serves as a vital access route for dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other high-profile officials, to reach Nagar Road. As congestion around Lohegaon Airport and across Pune has become increasingly problematic, the PMC is addressing this issue through road expansion initiatives. Alongside the widening of existing roads, the PMC also plans to construct new routes to ease bottlenecks near the airport, although funding for the complete project is still in process.
Previously, the VIP road was six meters wide with an additional three meters of open land on each side, bordered by a high boundary wall. Following recent negotiations, the Defence Department granted the PMC access to utilize the open space, adding six meters to the road width for better traffic management.
Expansion work has commenced with clearing overgrown vegetation, debris, and leveling the land. The Defense Department has permitted land allocation along the VIP route to facilitate this cleanup and road improvement. According to the PMC’s Engineer of the Road Department, leveling operations are ongoing, and full resurfacing will follow to ensure smoother transit along this key route.
