Pune District Collector Issues Warning Over Financial Irregularities in Ring Road Land Acquisition
Pune: 19 bids received by MSRDC for construction of ring road ( Representational Image )
During a recent review meeting, Pune district collector Suhas Diwase delivered a stern warning to land acquisition officers amidst allegations of financial impropriety in transactions related to the ambitious Pune Ring Road project.
The Pune Ring Road project, funded with ₹10,519 crore by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), has faced scrutiny following complaints of financial misconduct during the land acquisition process involving farmers and residents.
“The significant allocation of state funds for the Ring Road demands utmost transparency and accountability. Addressing complaints of financial irregularities is imperative,” stated Diwase during the meeting.
Present at the gathering were officials including MSRDC additional collector H V Argunde, land acquisition coordinating officer Kalyan Pande, sub-divisional officer, tehsildars, and other concerned authorities.
The Ring Road project is divided into eastern and western zones, spanning various talukas within Pune district. While the western zone encompasses Bhor, Haveli, and Mulshi talukas, the eastern zone covers Maval, Khed, Haveli, Purandar, and Bhor talukas.
Progress-wise, the western Ring Road, stretching over 65.45 km, has seen nearly 80% completion in land acquisition across 31 villages, with efforts underway in the remaining three villages. Conversely, land acquisition for the eastern Ring Road, spanning 71.35 km, is still ongoing.
Furthermore, 395 hectares of land in 37 villages along Sinhagad Road are slated for acquisition, with a government provision of ₹1,500 crore earmarked for this purpose. Once completed, the 170 km-long Pune Ring Road will function as an eight-lane express highway, facilitating speeds of up to 120 kmph.
