Pune Launches Phase 2 of Ganeshkhind Road Widening: A Step Towards Integrated Urban Mobility
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated Phase 2 of the Ganeshkhind Road widening project, aiming to improve traffic flow and integrate with Metro Line 3. The project faces delays due to land acquisition challenges but promises a sustainable and multimodal transit solution.
Urban MobilityRoad WideningPune Municipal CorporationMetro Line 3Sustainable DevelopmentReal Estate PuneJun 11, 2025
The first phase of the Ganeshkhind Road upgrade, covering the stretch from Pune University Chowk to RBI, was completed in collaboration with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). This initial phase laid the groundwork for the ongoing double-decker flyover, which accommodates both road traffic and the elevated metro line. According to civic officials, the success of the first phase has set a positive precedent for the second phase, which is expected to be more challenging due to pending land acquisition issues.
The second phase of the project has an estimated civil execution cost of ₹58 crore, excluding land acquisition expenses. The PMC’s land and estate department is currently in negotiations with private and institutional stakeholders to expedite the land acquisition process. A total of 52 properties are affected by this stretch, and so far, only 12 have handed over their land. The remaining properties include government facilities, commercial plots, and educational institutes. Experts from PMC’s urban development cell have emphasized that delays in land acquisition could jeopardize the alignment schedule of the Metro Line 3, which is already underway.
The double-decker design of the Ganeshkhind Road project is a pioneering integrated mobility solution in the region. It features one tier for vehicular movement and another for the metro, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficiency. Ensuring that the road beneath aligns with the metro engineering standards is crucial for the long-term success of the project. Urban planners and mobility experts have noted that Pune’s existing arterial network suffers from fragmented development, often driven by piecemeal land availability or legacy right-of-way issues. Ganeshkhind Road, however, offers a unique opportunity to model a truly multimodal transit spine that can be replicated in other urban areas.
Residents and commuters who frequent the RBI to Sancheti stretch have long complained about bottlenecks and erratic lane discipline, particularly during peak hours. The increasing number of two-wheelers and cab-based commutes has led to spillovers onto footpaths and service lanes, compromising pedestrian safety. Local transport groups have welcomed the project but have urged the PMC to include provisions for cycling lanes and shaded walkways, aligning with sustainable urban mobility goals.
In response, a senior official in PMC’s road department confirmed that sustainable and inclusive design elements are being integrated into the plan. “The project is not just about expanding the road width but also about enhancing safety, accessibility, and multimodal use,” the official stated. The PMC has also assured that tree cover along the stretch will be retained as much as possible, and any compensatory plantation will follow the 1:3 ratio mandated under the civic tree policy. Additionally, the PMC is aligning the Ganeshkhind Road widening with broader climate-responsive strategies. The corridor is expected to improve average travel time, reduce vehicular idling, and cut down on carbon emissions, which are critical for a city like Pune, which is increasingly grappling with air quality concerns and a rising urban heat island effect.
The project is being monitored by a joint coordination committee comprising PMC, PMRDA, MahaMetro, and traffic police officials to ensure that metro construction, traffic flow, and civil works progress concurrently. Timelines are being reviewed fortnightly, especially with the monsoon season approaching, which could introduce further delays if groundwork and drainage realignment are not completed on time. For citizens, the ultimate payoff lies in improved commute times, safer pedestrian movement, and enhanced access to metro infrastructure. For city administrators, this project is a test case for executing large-scale, multimodal infrastructure in built-up urban zones, balancing development needs with equitable access and sustainability.
While the challenges of land acquisition and traffic rerouting persist, the civic body remains optimistic that the cooperation of stakeholders and timely decision-making will allow for a smooth transition into the final stages of the project. As work progresses, Ganeshkhind Road is poised to become a model for how Indian cities can transform congested corridors into resilient, future-ready mobility axes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Ganeshkhind Road widening project?
The main goal is to improve traffic flow and integrate with the Metro Line 3 project, enhancing the city's urban mobility ecosystem.
What challenges is the project facing?
The project is facing delays due to pending land acquisition from 40 properties, impacting project timelines and coordination.
How will the double-decker design benefit the city?
The double-decker design will feature one tier for vehicular movement and another for the metro, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficiency.
What sustainable elements are being integrated into the project?
Sustainable elements include provisions for cycling lanes, shaded walkways, and the retention of tree cover, following the 1:3 ratio for compensatory plantation.
How is the project being monitored?
The project is being monitored by a joint coordination committee comprising PMC, PMRDA, MahaMetro, and traffic police officials to ensure concurrent progress.
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