PUNE: Union Minister Nitin Gakari has announced to sanction Rs 135 crore for the proposed six-lane flyover on Katraj-Kondhwa Road near Katraj Zoo to ease traffic snarls at Katraj Chowk. Gadkari also suggested to officials to install sound barriers on the bridge to avoid disturbance to zoo animals.
Gadkari on Friday laid the foundation stone for road widening of the road from Vadgaon Budruk to Katraj. This is the second project of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in Pune after Chandni Chowk multi-layer flyover on Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway. The PMC handed over the Katraj Zoo land along Katraj-Kondhwa Road to NHAI for the construction of the flyover.
Speaking at the function, Gadkari said, “We will provide additional funds for widening the six-lane road from Navale Bridge (Vadgaon Budruk) to Katraj. In this project, NHAI will construct a 10-metre underpass and the transport ministry will provide funds for that.” He clarified that he will hold a meeting of officials concerned to remove obstacles on the Pune-Satara highway.
According to national highway officials, Vadgaon (Navale Bridge) to Katraj Road widening requires Rs 69 crore. The work will include six-lane roads, service roads, footpaths, small bridges, vehicular underpasses, bus stands, etc. It will take 18 months to complete the work.
Meanwhile, Gadkari also reviewed the work of Chandni Chowk multi-level flyover, which is progressing at a snail’s pace due to slow land acquisition.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Rubal Agrawal said, “Gadkari held a review meeting on Friday evening. We provided details about land acquisition to him. We assured Gadkari that the land acquisition process will be completed as early as possible and hand over funds to NHAI for shifting service lines.”
Two years after the laying of foundation stone of the project for Chandni Chowk multi-level flyover, the PMC is still struggling to acquire land for the project.
Till date, the civic body has been able to acquire 83 per cent of land. PMC’s land acquisition process has slowed down as people are demanding cash compensation for the same.
