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Key Points

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has urged the Centre to widen three key national highways around Pune to tackle worsening traffic congestion. The proposal includes upgrading NH-60 and NH-65 to six lanes and expanding NH-548D to four lanes. Pawar highlighted the strain from industrial zones, residential areas, and educational hubs on these routes. He emphasized the need for swift approvals to ease commuter woes during upcoming elevated corridor construction.

Key Points: Ajit Pawar Urges Gadkari to Widen 3 Pune Highways for Traffic Relief

  • Ajit Pawar seeks six-lane expansion for NH-60 and NH-65
  • Two-lane NH-548D proposed for four-lane upgrade
  • Rising industrial and residential traffic strains Pune highways
  • Expansion to aid commuter safety and elevated corridor construction
2 min read

Dy CM Ajit Pawar urges Centre to widen 3 national highways to ease Pune traffic

Maharashtra Dy CM demands expansion of NH-60, NH-65, and NH-548D to ease Pune congestion amid rising urbanization and industrial growth.

"Widening of the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur stretch could temporarily support traffic flow until the elevated highway is complete. – Ajit Pawar"

Mumbai, July 29

To address the growing traffic congestion in Pune and its surrounding areas, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, demanding the immediate widening of three key national highways.

The three are National Highway 60 (Nashik Phata to Khed), NH 65 (Hadapsar to Yavat), and NH 548D (Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur).

In the letter, Dy CM Pawar highlighted that due to increasing urbanisation and industrial activity, traffic pressure in Pune and its metropolitan region has intensified drastically.

He suggested that NH-60 (currently four lanes) should be widened to six lanes; NH-65 (currently four lanes) should also be upgraded to six lanes, and NH-548D (currently two lanes) needs expansion to four lanes.

Pawar said that these roads pass through areas with educational institutions, industrial zones, residential complexes, hospitals, the petroleum and automobile industries, and major commercial hubs -- all of which contribute to increased vehicular load and traffic snarls. He also raised concerns regarding the safety of commuters due to frequent bottlenecks.

Dy CM Pawar pointed out that the vehicular density on these highways has surpassed permissible limits, and the expansion of lanes is now a critical requirement. Furthermore, the widened highways would serve as alternative routes during the upcoming construction of elevated corridors in the region.

“Since all three highways are linked to Pune city's entry points, vehicles from outer regions are creating severe congestion while entering the city. Therefore, urgent attention and remedial action are necessary. Widening of the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur stretch could temporarily support traffic flow until the final stage of the ongoing elevated highway tender is complete,” he said.

The Deputy CM appealed to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to approve the proposal swiftly and allocate the required funds and administrative clearances to help alleviate the traffic burden in Pune’s rapidly growing industrial corridor.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good initiative but will take years to complete. Meanwhile, why not improve public transport? More buses and metro connectivity would reduce private vehicles on these roads.
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Aman W
As a Chakan resident, NH-548D expansion is desperately needed! Two lanes for such heavy industrial traffic is ridiculous. Accidents happen daily. #SafetyFirst
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Priya S
Widening roads is temporary solution. Need better urban planning. Why allow so many industries/residential projects without proper infrastructure first? 🤔
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Varun X
Hope they consider proper drainage this time. Last monsoon, NH-60 was completely flooded near Khed. More lanes won't help if waterlogging isn't fixed!
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Michael C
As an expat working in Pune's auto sector, the traffic here is worse than Bangalore now. Good to see infrastructure catching up with industrial growth. Hope execution matches the plan!
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Nisha Z
What about the farmers whose land will be acquired? The article doesn't mention compensation plans. Development shouldn't come at cost of livelihoods.

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