The proposal, submitted to the Pune Divisional Commissionerate, requests the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to jointly fund the project, which is expected to improve vehicle flow and streamline logistics in one of Pune’s busiest corridors.
The initiative follows directions from Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, who urged the local administration to take immediate steps to address gridlock in the Hinjawadi, Wakad, and Balewadi areas. Heavy vehicles travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai frequently halt near Wakad Jakat Naka, contributing to severe congestion on the national highway.
Against this backdrop, PMPML has proposed establishing the Balewadi Transit Hub near the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. The hub will serve as a dedicated stop for heavy vehicles travelling between Mumbai, Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur, where goods can be unloaded and transferred to public transport or smaller vehicles. This system aims to reduce the number of heavy vehicles entering city roads, easing traffic flow in surrounding areas.
“Balewadi is ideally located for a transit hub to reduce congestion along the Pune–Bengaluru highway. This will help decongest Hinjawadi, Mhalunge, Wakad, Baner, and Balewadi, while also providing designated parking for heavy vehicles,” said Pankaj Deore, Chairman and Managing Director of PMPML.
Deore added that the transit hub will also feature a dedicated PMPML depot and facilities for passengers, improving citywide traffic management. The proposal aims to save travel time for commuters in the western Pune region.
He further noted that a substantial investment would be required, and that PCMC and PMRDA must coordinate funding efforts. “If funds are approved, construction can commence immediately,” Deore said, adding that the project would serve as a centralised space for both public and private transport, benefitting PMPML and the wider urban transport network.
Once completed, the Balewadi Transit Hub is expected to become a key logistics and commuter interchange, reducing congestion and improving mobility efficiency across the Pune Metropolitan Region.
