Viral Highway Map Between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pune Sparks Land Purchase Scandal

Pune, 12th November 2025: A proposed new highway between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pune has triggered widespread buzz after its alleged map went viral on social media — even though no official announcement has been made yet. The viral circulation of the map has led to a flurry of land transactions in the areas reportedly marked along the proposed route, raising serious questions about leaks and possible land speculation.

According to local sources, several businessmen and affluent investors have begun purchasing land in the suspected alignment zone at low rates. Meanwhile, farmers — unaware of the proposed highway project — are selling their land without realising its potential future value if the highway is indeed built through the area. Reports suggest that multiple transactions are taking place daily at rates slightly higher than current market prices but significantly lower than what landowners might receive after formal acquisition.

Officials have confirmed that the map of the proposed highway is only available with three departments — the agency responsible for preparing it, the concerned state department, and the National Highways Department. The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) has acknowledged that the map in circulation appears to be theirs but maintained that it has not been officially released.

This has sparked widespread concern over how the confidential document surfaced online. Questions are being raised about who leaked the map and whether insider information is being used to facilitate land grabs and manipulate real estate prices before an official government announcement.

Authorities are now under pressure to investigate the leak and the sudden spurt in land purchases. The issue has drawn attention from farmers’ groups, who are demanding transparency in the highway planning process and protection of farmers’ interests. These groups are calling for a moratorium on land transactions until the official announcement is made and the project details are transparently communicated to all stakeholders.

The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) has issued a statement urging caution and advising landowners to verify the authenticity of any information regarding the proposed highway. They have also promised to take strict action against any unauthorized use of the map and to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders, particularly farmers, are protected throughout the planning and implementation process.

The controversy surrounding the leaked map highlights the need for stringent measures to prevent insider trading and ensure fair and transparent land acquisition processes. As the investigation into the leak continues, the government is expected to take proactive steps to address the concerns of the affected communities and to ensure that the proposed highway project benefits all stakeholders equally.