Pune Outer Ring Road Project: 90% Land Acquired, ₹500 Cr Needed for Remaining 206 Hectares as Consent Deadline Nears

Nearly 90% of the required land has been acquired, but challenges remain as the deadline for voluntary consent approaches.

The Pune district administration has sought ₹500 crore from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to acquire the remaining 206 hectares of land required for the ambitious Outer Ring Road project. This project, which aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion across the city, has seen notable progress but still faces hurdles as the December 15 deadline for landowner consent looms.

District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase chaired a meeting on Wednesday to assess the status of the project. Land acquisition coordinator Kalyan Pandhare and taluka-level land officers participated, discussing the progress and remaining challenges in land acquisition.

Current Status of Land Acquisition

As per the updates shared during the meeting, the total land requirement for the project is 1,740 hectares. Of this, 1,300 hectares have already been acquired, representing nearly 90% of the target. However, 206 hectares are yet to be acquired, divided as follows:

• Eastern Part: 143 hectares (involving villages across Purandar, Bhor, Haveli, Mulshi, and Maval talukas)

• Western Part: 63 hectares (including villages in Khed and Maval talukas)

While progress has been significant, additional funds are required to secure the remaining land parcels.

Consent Deadline and Compensation Plan

To expedite the process, landowners have been urged to provide their consent for acquisition by Sunday, December 15. Those who comply by this date will be eligible for an additional 25% compensation. After this deadline, any remaining land will be acquired compulsorily, with compensation calculated at four times the market value, as per government policy.

Administrative Challenges

Kalyan Pandhare noted that clear instructions were issued to taluka land acquisition officers to ensure timely progress. While some officers still have unutilized funds from previous awards, the remaining ₹500 crore is essential to finalize the acquisition of the pending 206 hectares.

The district administration continues to adjudicate the acquired land, ensuring fair compensation for landowners. However, the process remains particularly challenging in the eastern and western parts of the city due to limited consent and logistical hurdles.

A Step Toward Decongesting Pune

The Outer Ring Road project is a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at alleviating Pune’s growing traffic woes. Once completed, the road will enhance connectivity and reduce travel time for commuters. However, achieving this goal hinges on resolving the remaining land acquisition challenges within the stipulated timeline.

For now, all eyes are on the December 15 deadline and the district administration’s efforts to secure the required funds to ensure the project’s timely completion.