In light of growing public frustration over persistent traffic congestion in the Hinjewadi-Maan-Marunji region, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to expedite the land acquisition process. On Friday, PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase, in a high-level review meeting held at Akurdi on Thursday, instructed MIDC to immediately submit a detailed proposal to the district collector’s office regarding the acquisition of land required for key road projects.
The meeting, attended by MLA Shankar Mandekar, farmers, and senior officials from various departments, focused on the long-standing infrastructural delays caused by stalled land acquisition for roads in Maan, Marunji, Mhalunge, and surrounding villages. Residents and commuters in the bustling IT and industrial corridor have been grappling with severe daily traffic jams, exacerbated by inadequate road width and rapid urban expansion.
Dr Mhase said, “The delays by MIDC in acquiring land, particularly for roads like the Maan Road, have resulted in significant travel difficulties. So PMRDA directed that a survey be conducted immediately by the SLR (Survey and Land Records department) to measure the land to be acquired and that a comprehensive report identifying affected farmers be submitted without delay.”
“Sending the proposal and completing the land measurement process swiftly will help dispel confusion among farmers and will be a major step toward resolving the traffic issues,” Dr. Mhase said. During the meeting, farmers raised concerns about compensation mechanisms. PMRDA clarified that landowners will be entitled to either TDR (Transferable Development Rights) or direct compensation as per government norms. The administrative officials present addressed several grievances raised by the farmers regarding transparency, valuation of plots, and procedural delays.
“A contentious point raised was that the proposed 45-metre-wide road alignment may result in demolition of houses adjacent to village limits. Responding to this, villagers requested that the road width be reduced to 24 metres within the village area to minimise displacement,” added the officials. To further decongest the area, PMRDA confirmed that new internal roads and alternative routes have already been approved and will soon be under construction.
One key highlight of the discussion was PMRDA’s assurance that no farmer will suffer financial or social loss due to road widening projects. PMRDA commissioner specifically instructed officials to avoid procedural delays that could affect farmers` welfare. Despite being the most upscale infrastructure and tech parks, Pune`s Hinjewadi-Maan area continues to grapple with chronic traffic congestion.
Roshan Singh, an IT commuter, said, “The daily traffic jam is routine for us, particularly during peak hours.” The frequent traffic snarls, even on major routes, have prompted growing anger among residents.
