Katraj Chowk flyover likely to be ready soon as PMC hands over land required for ramp

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has handed over the land required for the ramp of the long-pending Katraj Chowk flyover towards Kondhwa, clearing the last major hurdle holding up the project connecting Katraj-Dehu Road bypass to Katraj-Kondhwa Road for nearly two years.

Once completed, the flyover is expected to significantly ease chronic traffic congestion at Katraj Chowk, which has been a major bottleneck for several years. “About 230 metres of land was required for the project, and all necessary plots are now being transferred to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for further execution,” an official said.

In addition to the flyover, PMC is also working on acquiring land for widening the Katraj-Kondhwa Road stretch beyond the flyover. “We are hopeful that both key infrastructure projects (the flyover and the road widening up to Pisoli Chowk) will gain momentum in the coming months,” the official said.

Despite the progress, residents and frequent commuters have expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delays. Many have questioned the administration’s handling of land acquisition and project timelines.

Katraj resident Suraj Gite said the delays reflected poor planning on the part of PMC. “The flyover work has been ongoing for nearly two years, while the road widening project started almost eight years ago. Deadlines have been repeatedly postponed despite assurances and site visits by several politicians,” he said.

Baramati MP Supriya Sule has also been actively pursuing the project, urging authorities to expedite the work to provide relief to thousands of commuters using the route daily. Sources said with all land parcels now secured, the project should move to a fast-track phase.

Meanwhile, PMC has begun developing a service road to manage traffic during the ongoing construction work, aiming to minimise inconvenience. The civic body’s road department has also indicated that widening work will commence on all plots currently in PMC’s possession.

To facilitate land acquisition, PMC has already transferred approximately Rs 196 crore to the district administration for compensating landowners.