Pune: PMRDA to Launch Second Phase of Anti-Encroachment Drive to Ease Traffic Congestion

Phase Two: Key Roads Targeted

The second phase will focus on clearing illegal structures such as roadside shops, sheds, stalls, and unauthorized buildings along the following routes:

Pune–Satara Road (Navale Bridge to Sarole)
Sus Road
Hadapsar (Shewalwadi) to Dive Ghat
Navlakh Umbre to Chakan
Hinjawadi–Maan Area
Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur Road

PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase has urged encroachers to voluntarily remove illegal constructions and obtain proper approvals before undertaking any new developments. He emphasized that strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply.

Phase One: A Resounding Success

The first phase of the anti-encroachment drive, conducted from March 3 to 13, saw the removal of over 2,500 illegal structures across major routes. Key highlights include:

Pune–Nashik Highway (Chimbali to Sandbhorwadi): 898 illegal structures (89,800 sq. ft.) removed.
Pune–Solapur Road (33 km stretch): 1,047 structures (104,700 sq. ft.) demolished.
Chandani Chowk to Paud Road: 557 structures (55,700 sq. ft.) cleared.

The joint task force, comprising Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad police, municipal corporations, the National Highways Authority, and other agencies, worked collaboratively to ensure the success of the operation. Several encroachers also voluntarily vacated their structures during this phase.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

The second phase will see continued coordination among various government agencies, including:

Pune City Police
Pimpri-Chinchwad City Police
Pune Rural Police
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)
Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
Public Works Department (PWD)
Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)
Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC)
Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB)

Public Cooperation Urged

Authorities have warned against future encroachments and urged the public to cooperate in maintaining traffic flow and road safety. The PMRDA has also approved ₹1,428 crore for road and bridge development in the Shirur-Haveli constituency, which is expected to further ease traffic woes in the region.

Conclusion

The PMRDA’s anti-encroachment drive is a significant step toward addressing traffic congestion and ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles in Pune and its surrounding areas. With the second phase set to begin on March 17, the authority remains committed to creating a safer and more organized urban environment.