Mumbai, Nov. 6 -- District collector Jitendra Dudi has directed officials to accelerate land acquisition for six proposed Development Plan roads in Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji, with the Transfer of Development Rights process to be completed within a month. Work on the roads and related infrastructure is scheduled to begin in December 2026.

Dudi issued the direction at a review meeting attended by officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, public works department, police and local civic bodies. Discussions covered traffic congestion, damaged roads, water supply, civic amenities and infrastructure requirements in the industrial belt.

Departments have been asked to expedite tenders, administrative approvals, proposals, estimates and tender documents for stormwater drainage, junction upgrades and other projects for which funding has been approved. The collector also directed officials to repair potholes and road shoulders, remove encroachments, regulate heavy vehicles and improve coordination between agencies responsible for different roads.

For the six DP roads, officials must obtain landowners' consent and accelerate acquisition. Farmers have agreed to receive compensation through floor space index for two roads, which will be taken up in the first phase. Separate meetings will be held with landowners affected by the remaining four roads. The chief engineer and land acquisition officers must submit a time-bound schedule covering acquisition and construction at the next review meeting.

The meeting reviewed last-mile links between Metro stations and nearby industrial and residential areas, including connections around Baner, Balewadi and Hinjewadi Phases II and III. To address rising electricity demand, officials were asked to begin transferring 6 acres to the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company for a new substation.

The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran was asked to prepare a plan for using 2 TMC of water in Hinjewadi and surrounding areas. It must assess existing supplies, available sources and future requirements. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation was directed to sign agreements with nearby gram panchayats for village waste collection and scientific disposal. Officials must also identify unauthorised dumping sites, issue legal notices and begin penal action against those responsible.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.