Pune Ring Road

The Pune Ring Road, officially known as the PMRDA Ring Road, is a pivotal infrastructure project planned for construction in and around Pune, India. Proposed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), the road aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve access to the rapidly expanding areas surrounding Pune. With an estimated length of 173 kilometers, it is set to connect all major highways encircling the city, servicing a total of twenty-nine villages in the region. The projected cost of this ambitious endeavor stands at ₹104.08 billion (approximately US$1.3 billion).

The responsibility for planning and land acquisition for the Pune Ring Road rests with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Pune Municipal Corporation, and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. To expedite the process, the Public Works Department recommended the adoption of the Design-Finance-Build-Operate-Transfer model.

Notably, segments of the ring road will be developed through public-private partnerships. For instance, stretches from Lohegaon to Charholi and from Solu to Nirgudi are slated for construction under this model. The Maharashtra state government has emphasized the urgency of completing both inner and outer ring roads to alleviate traffic congestion within the city.

The inception of the Pune Ring Road dates back to July 12, 2007, when the then Maharashtra Chief Minister, Sri Vilasrao Deshmukh, proposed the idea. Subsequent approvals and initiatives led to the formulation of detailed project reports and the establishment of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority in April 2015. However, the project has encountered delays and challenges, with issues ranging from irregularities in project reports to land acquisition hurdles.

Upon completion, the Pune Ring Road will span 105 kilometers, comprising two lanes on each side. The infrastructure will include flyovers, bridges, viaducts, subway roads, and tunnels, amounting to a comprehensive network aimed at facilitating smoother traffic flow. The project is divided into four phases, each targeting specific sections and routes to ensure systematic development and execution.

In parallel with the PMRDA Ring Road, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is also working on an alternate ring road project for Pune. This collaborative effort aims to enhance connectivity and streamline traffic management through a network of interchanges, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels.

The Pune Ring Road project represents a significant endeavor in addressing the evolving transportation needs of Pune and its surrounding areas. Despite challenges and setbacks, ongoing efforts by various stakeholders underscore the commitment to realizing this vital infrastructure project. Once completed, the ring road is poised to not only reduce congestion but also catalyze socio-economic development and enhance overall connectivity in the region.