Should the Centre Widen 3 National Highways to Alleviate Pune's Traffic?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has urged the Centre to take immediate action by widening three national highways to combat traffic congestion in Pune. This proposal aims to accommodate the rising vehicular load and enhance commuter safety, making the city's transport system more efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Widening of highways is critical to address Pune's traffic issues.
- Increased urbanization and industrial growth are contributing to congestion.
- Proposed expansions include NH 60, NH 65, and NH 548D.
- Safety concerns highlighted due to frequent traffic jams.
- Immediate action is needed to facilitate efficient transportation.
Mumbai, July 29 (NationPress) In a bid to tackle the escalating traffic issues in Pune and its adjacent regions, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reached out to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, requesting the urgent widening of three vital national highways.
The highways in question are National Highway 60 (Nashik Phata to Khed), NH 65 (Hadapsar to Yavat), and NH 548D (Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur).
In his correspondence, Dy CM Pawar pointed out that rising urbanization and industrial growth have significantly increased the traffic burden in Pune and its metropolitan area.
He proposed upgrading NH-60 from its current four lanes to six lanes; similarly, NH-65 should be expanded from four to six lanes, while NH-548D needs to grow from two lanes to four lanes.
Pawar emphasized that these routes traverse areas housing educational institutions, industrial zones, residential complexes, hospitals, and major commercial centers, all of which add to the vehicular load and traffic congestion. He expressed concerns about the safety of commuters due to regular traffic jams.
Furthermore, Dy CM Pawar noted that the vehicle density on these roads has exceeded permissible levels, making lane expansion a pressing necessity. The widened roads would also provide alternative routes during the upcoming construction of elevated corridors in the area.
“As all three highways serve as entry points to Pune city, increased traffic from outer regions is causing severe congestion upon entering the city. Thus, immediate intervention and action are required. Widening the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur segment could temporarily facilitate traffic flow until the elevated highway project reaches its final stages,” he articulated.
The Deputy CM urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite the approval process and allocate the necessary funds and administrative clearances to mitigate the traffic challenges in Pune's rapidly expanding industrial corridor.
Point of View
The call for widening these highways underscores the need for proactive infrastructure development in rapidly urbanizing areas. As traffic congestion continues to grow, it is imperative for government authorities to address these challenges with swift and effective solutions. The proposal by Dy CM Ajit Pawar highlights the importance of collaboration between state and central authorities to ensure the safety and efficiency of transport networks.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the widening of highways necessary in Pune?
The widening of highways is essential due to the significant increase in vehicular traffic caused by urbanization and industrial growth, which has led to severe congestion and safety concerns.
What specific highways are being proposed for widening?
The proposed highways for widening are NH 60 (Nashik Phata to Khed), NH 65 (Hadapsar to Yavat), and NH 548D (Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur).
How will these changes affect commuter safety?
Widening the highways is expected to reduce bottlenecks and improve traffic flow, thereby enhancing the overall safety for commuters.
What are the anticipated benefits of the highway expansions?
The expansions will alleviate traffic congestion, support economic activities in the region, and provide alternative routes during construction projects.
What action has Ajit Pawar requested from the Centre?
Ajit Pawar has requested the Centre to approve the proposal for widening the highways swiftly and allocate the necessary funds and clearances.
