PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has implemented new regulations aimed at eliminating persistent delays in infrastructure projects by tying building permits to land acquisition for road widening.
Under the updated guidelines, developers are required to submit a formal proposal to transfer any land that may be impacted by upcoming road expansions within 15 days of requesting building approval. Importantly, the land must be physically conveyed to the PMC before the construction reaches the plinth level — the base of the structure. This directive was communicated through a circular from the building permission department.
“We will strictly monitor this process,” stated Aniruddha Pawaskar, the city engineer for PMC.
This policy shift is prompted by PMC data indicating a considerable shortfall in the city’s road infrastructure. Currently, only about 9% of Pune’s total land area is allocated for roads, significantly below the urban planning standard of 15%.
Historically, the civic administration has faced challenges in acquiring land from private owners, leading to situations where newly constructed buildings are completed while adjacent roads remain constricted. In many cases, land has not been surrendered even after road projects are finalized, resulting in protracted legal disputes and traffic congestion.
Pune’s existing road network covers 2,273 km, with the majority of traffic concentrated on merely 32 arterial roads, which make up 270 km and carry nearly 80% of the city’s traffic. Officials believe that improving the land acquisition process is essential for enhancing these crucial corridors.
The PMC has ambitious plans for the upcoming years, targeting a 10.75% increase in the city’s road network by the 2026-27 fiscal year. Key aspects of this plan include:
Improving intersections, with an allocation of Rs 5 crore for upgrading 30 major junctions to alleviate congestion. The PMC also aims to develop at least one road of international standards in each of the 32 merged villages.
