Pune: MLA Mahesh Landge Raises Objections on Comprehensive Mobility Plan, Calls for Better Connectivity for Pimpri-Chinchwad

Pune: Mahesh Landge, MLA from Bhosari, has officially submitted his objections and suggestions regarding the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP2025) draft. While appreciating the efforts of Maha Metro, Landge has strongly criticized the plan for its disproportionate focus on Pune city, leaving Pimpri-Chinchwad’s growing mobility needs largely unaddressed.

Key Objections Raised by MLA Mahesh Landge

1. Limited Metro Connectivity for Pimpri-Chinchwad: Only one metro line (Nigdi–Chakan via Wakad, Bhosari) has been proposed, ignoring crucial routes such as Nigdi-Ravet to Hinjawadi and Chakan-Moshi-Bhosari to Hinjawadi. He suggests avoiding the interchange station at Wakad.
2. Missing Nigdi-Wagholi Metro Line: This critical route, which could serve Chikhali, Moshi, Charholi, Dighi, Vishrantwadi, and Lohegaon, has been omitted.
3. Wakad–Shewalewadi Neo Metro: Landge insists this should be upgraded to a full metro from Wakad to Wagholi, covering Baner, Chandani Chowk, Warje, and Katraj, forming part of a Ring Metro system.
4. Opposition to BRT Expansion: Despite public dissatisfaction and congestion, four new BRT routes are planned for Pimpri-Chinchwad, while Pune city is excluded.
5. Lack of Inner Ring Road for Pimpri-Chinchwad: Unlike Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad only gets HCMTR Neo Metro, with no provision for a crucial Intermediate Ring Road.
6. Absence of Passenger and Freight Terminals: There is no mention of a passenger terminal at Chinchwad or the relocation of the freight terminal to Talegaon.
7. Missing PMPML Bus Terminal at Moshi: Even though an ST terminal and metro station are planned, no PMPML bus terminal is included.
8. Infrastructure Deficiencies: The plan lacks crucial new bridges and expansion of the Chikhali-Moi bridge over the Indrayani River, essential for decongesting Talawade IT Park and Chakan Industrial Area.
9. Neglected Redevelopment Projects: The Bhakti-Shakti Bus Terminal and Nigdi PMPML Depot have not been considered for redevelopment.

Key Suggestions Proposed by Mahesh Landge

1. Enhanced Metro & Bus Connectivity: New routes should link Nigdi, Talawade, Chikhali, Moshi, and Charholi with Pune’s IT hubs (Hinjawadi, Baner, Aundh, Kharadi).
2. Development of New Transport Terminals: He recommends a new PMPML bus terminal at Moshi, PMPML depots at Charholi and Ravet for E-Buses, and redevelopment of Vallabhnagar ST Stand along with new ST terminals at Wakad, Kiwale, Moshi, Nigdi, and Nashik Phata.
3. New Railway Infrastructure: He proposes a railway station at Ravet and new railway routes, including:
   • Pune–Konkan route (via Chinchwad-Hinjawadi-Mulshi)
   • Pune–Navi Mumbai route (via Panvel/Vashi)
   • RRTS semi-high-speed rail between Pune and Mumbai.
4. High-Speed Road Corridors & Ring Roads: Pimpri-Chinchwad’s key roads should be developed as high-speed corridors with underpasses, overpasses, and interchanges. Suggested inner and outer ring roads include:
   • Inner Ring Road: Dange Chowk, Ravet, Nigdi, Spine Road, Nashik Phata.
   • Outer Ring Road: Dange Chowk, Talawade, Chikhali, Moshi, Vishrantwadi, Aundh.
5. New Connectivity Projects to Pune’s Ring Roads:
   • Mukai Chowk–Kiwale to Sangavade–Chandkhed (10 km)
   • Chikhali–Moi to Nighoje–Kharabwadi (9 km)
6. Logistics Hub & Truck Terminal: He proposes a truck terminal and logistics hub at Talegaon Railway Station for industries in Chakan-Talegaon.
7. Multi-Modal Transport Hubs: These should be developed at Bhakti-Shakti, Nigdi, and Akurdi Station.

Objections on PMRDA’s Proposed Interchanges

Recently, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) announced three new interchanges and roads:

1. Mutha Nadi Top to Urawade (3.5 km) – ₹19.25 crore
2. Chandkhed to Kasarsai (5 km) – ₹27.50 crore
3. Nighoje to Moi (3.6 km) – ₹75 crore

While Interchanges 2 and 3 are near Pimpri-Chinchwad, they are not integrated with internal city roads. To address this issue, Landge has suggested two additional links to PMRDA:

1. Mukai Chowk, Kiwale (PCMC) – Sangavade – Chandkhed (10 km):
   • This would connect Outer Ring Road (Chandkhed) and Inner Ring Road (Sangavade), improving western Pimpri-Chinchwad’s access to Spine Road.
   • PCMC has recently approved the Mamurdi-Sangavade bridge over the Pavana River, which could be part of this link.
2. Chikhali (PCMC) – Moi – Nighoje – Kharabwadi (9 km):
   • Linking Nighoje to Kharabwadi and Moi to Chikhali would seamlessly connect Pimpri-Chinchwad.
   • The Indrayani River bridge between Chikhali and Moi should be widened to six lanes to improve connectivity between Outer and Inner Ring Roads and the Talegaon-Chakan highway.

Final Appeal to PMRDA

Mahesh Landge has urged PMRDA to reconsider these crucial connectivity plans for better integration of Pimpri-Chinchwad with Pune’s Inner & Outer Ring Roads. He emphasized that the region’s rapid growth demands a more holistic, inclusive, and future-ready mobility plan.