FCC

Land acquisition issues stall construction of 280 km of Pune roads

2023-06-13

Despite the ongoing suffering of citizens due to severe traffic congestion and a growing number of vehicles, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing significant challenges in acquiring a mere 100-meter stretch of land for 80 roads. As a result, approximately 280 kilometers of roads outlined in the old Development Plan (DP) have not been constructed.

The majority of these incomplete roads are located in areas such as Wagholi, Hadapsar, Bibvewadi, Dhayari, Aundh, Warje, Karvenagar, and Kothrud. The PMC claims to lack the necessary funds to provide cash compensation to landowners based on market prices, as demanded by the landowners themselves.

Instead, the PMC has offered increased Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and additional Floor Space Index (FSI) as compensation, but the landowners have remained adamant in their demand for cash. This impasse has made land acquisition extremely challenging over the past decade.

To address this issue, the PMC enlisted the help of an advisor and consultant to identify the missing links in the road network infrastructure development project. The consultant's report highlights grave concerns, revealing that only 100 to 200 meters of land remain unacquired, despite most roads being ready for use.

PMC commissioner Vikram Kumar stated that priority will be given to developing road projects where land acquisition of just 100 meters is pending. This approach could result in the completion of a 77-kilometer-long road infrastructure, thereby alleviating congestion in the city.

The road department reports that the construction of proposed new roads outlined in the development plan has been hindered by land acquisition issues. The preference of landowners for cash compensation instead of TDR or additional FSI has caused project delays. As a result, the civic body constructs a portion of the road, leaving the segment requiring land acquisition unfinished. This situation persists for several years, resulting in these roads existing only on paper.

Civic rights activist Qaneez Sukhrani points out that there are 15 locations along Ahmednagar Road where land acquisition is still pending according to the 1987 DP. The entire 7-kilometer road from Parnakuti to Wagholi is yet to undergo land acquisition and subsequent development. Sukhrani questions why the PMC is reversing the legal process and creating obstacles for citizens, which ultimately leads to traffic congestion.