PMRDA plans new link roads, widening projects to decongest Hinjewadi IT hub

Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has proposed new connector roads and widening projects around the busy Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi to ease persistent gridlock and improve traffic flow along phases I-III corridor in Pune’s busiest IT hubs.

The proposed network is expected to ease movement between Hinjewadi, Wakad, Marunji and Maan, while also reducing traffic pressure from vehicles entering the IT hub from Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

The authority has submitted proposals to the Pune collector for land acquisition, as well as joint surveys and measurement of required land parcels. Officials said the planned projects aimed to create parallel traffic corridors and improve access to the IT hub from both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

The official said of the six proposed stretches, four were new roads, while two involved widening and upgrading existing routes. “At present, commuters travelling from areas like Chandni Chowk, Bavdhan, Baner, Balewadi and the Katraj-Narhe belt primarily rely on the main spine road connecting the Hinjewadi IT park phases. Similarly, traffic from Punawale, Tathawade, Marunji, Mukai Chowk and Ravet converges at a few key junctions, leading to frequent bottlenecks,” an official said.

“The traffic load on the Hinjewadi spine road has increased sharply due to rapid commercial and residential development. These proposed links will create alternative north-south corridors and reduce dependence on existing internal roads,” PMRDA officer Shivprasad Bagdi, who is in charge of the road network in the area, said.

Bagdi said the process had already begun. “We have forwarded proposals to the collector’s office. Joint surveys and measurements have been carried out, following which land acquisition will proceed. Construction will begin once acquisition is completed,” he said.

According to the PMRDA officials, some of the proposed stretches were “missing links” that were part of earlier regional planning frameworks and cancelled development plans. “These are now being revived to tackle increasing congestion in the Hinjewadi-Maan-Marunji belt,” another official said.

Daily commuters welcomed the move, citing growing delays and unpredictable travel times. “Travelling from Baner to Hinjewadi during peak hours can take over an hour for a short distance. Parallel roads will definitely help reduce congestion,” IT professional Rahul Deshmukh, who commutes to Hinjewadi Phase II, said.

Snehal Patil, a Wakad resident, said traffic near Marunji and Laxmi Chowk had worsened due to rapid residential growth. “Thousands of new residents have moved in, but road infrastructure has not kept pace. Widening existing roads is urgently needed,” she said.

Residents said key connectors, especially the Marunji-Laxmi Chowk stretch, could substantially ease pressure on the Wakad-Hinjewadi route. Some, however, remain concerned about timelines. “The proposal is welcome, but what matters is when these projects will actually be completed,” PR Prabhakaran, a senior citizen living in the area, said.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026