The 136-km outer ring road, divided into two phases, aims to decongest Pune and improve highway connectivity. The eastern phase will cover a 74.08-km stretch from Urse on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Shivare on the Pune-Satara Highway, while the western phase will span 64.45 km, connecting Shivare to Urse. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has finalised five contractors for the project following the relaxation of the model code of conduct post-assembly elections. Construction work is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with the targeted completion date set for May 2027.
The ring road will connect 83 villages and provide heavy vehicles direct access to highways, bypassing Pune's central areas. This is expected to significantly reduce city traffic congestion and improve inter-district highway connectivity.
(TOI)