Budget hikes by Rs 5 crore: Pune civic body to expedite widening of old Mumbai-Pune highway

To ensure smooth flow of traffic on the busy highway, the Pune civic body has decided to complete the widening of the old Mumbai-Pune highway by spending additional Rs five crore required for the proposed work.

the old man Bombay–Pune The highway from Shivajinagar passes through Kirkee Cantonment Board (KCB) area and provides connectivity to Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) via Rajiv Gandhi Bridge on Mula River. The old Mumbai-Pune highway continues to witness heavy traffic even as the administration is developing alternative roads through Aundh and Baner.

The old road is a hub of connectivity between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad and is the road that provides access to vehicles heading towards Mumbai.

Most state transport buses plying between Mumbai and Pune, Ahilyanagar, Solapur and Kolhapur use the old Mumbai-Pune highway. Furthermore, it is widely used by commuters for work and education both in the municipal corporation area. The same stretch of road provides connectivity to Nashik district from Pune and other districts of western Maharashtra.

“The PMC has taken up widening of the old Mumbai-Pune highway, development of bus rapid transit system (BRTS) on the stretch and development works along the highway near Bopodi. There is paucity of funds to complete the work, so Rs five crore of the budget allocation for widening of Ganeshkhind highway will be utilized now as its implementation would require more time due to administrative processes,” municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said.

A proposal to divert the funds was approved at the civic standing committee and general body meeting this week.

The civic highways department had informed that the Ganeshkhind road was being widened by 45 meters from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to Sancheti hospital junction, but the civic administration has started the process of removing or transplanting trees on the land and is awaiting approval from the Tree Authority committee.

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Further, the civic body has taken possession of only 12 of the total 52 properties affected due to the widening of the Ganshkhind road and the process to take possession of the rest of the road is in progress. The administrative process to clear all the pre-works for the Ganeshkhind road widening will take time and the budget The allocation for the work is unlikely to be spent in the current financial year till March 2026, which may be available for the widening of the old Mumbai-Pune highway, a civic official said.

The widening work of the old Mumbai-Pune highway has been 95 per cent completed at a cost of Rs 63.57 crore, while the total cost of the project is Rs 72.57 crore.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of industry experience, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-governing bodies’ election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a “Bharat Mandapam”-style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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