The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated steps to compulsorily acquire land for widening North Main Road in Koregaon Park, aiming to ease traffic congestion along one of the city’s busiest commercial stretches. The proposed expansion will increase the road’s width from 18 metres to 30 metres, improving capacity for vehicles travelling through the area.
The move comes amid resistance from local landowners, some of whom say they have yet to receive compensation for land taken during an earlier road-widening exercise between 2003 and 2005.
North Main Road Widening Project Gets Underway
The road-widening project covers a 1.65-kilometre stretch between Westin Hotel Chowk and Tadigutta Chowk. According to Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, the road department has initiated the tender process, and a work order has been issued to the contractor.
Widening work is already underway on the left side of the road. The corridor is a prominent part of Koregaon Park, known for its cafes, restaurants, pubs, boutiques and residential properties, as well as the Osho International Meditation Resort.
The road is also among 32 major roads prioritised by the civic administration to address traffic congestion across Pune.
Land Acquisition Dispute Delays Progress
While work has begun, obtaining possession of certain land parcels has proved difficult. Residents and property owners along a stretch between Hotel Carnival and Tadigutta Chowk have reportedly refused to surrender land, citing unresolved compensation claims linked to the earlier widening project.
The affected section is approximately 160 metres long, with the existing road width ranging from 11 to 14 metres.
The civic administration says the road is included in the approved Development Plan, providing the planning basis for the proposed expansion. However, negotiations with landowners have not progressed as expected, prompting PMC to pursue compulsory acquisition.
PMC Estimates Land Acquisition Cost at Rs 21.4 Crore
The corporation requires approximately 3,040 square metres of land for the proposed widening. The estimated cost of acquisition is Rs 21.4 crore.
The amount has been provided for in PMC’s approved budget for the 2026-27 financial year. The civic administration has also sought approval from the standing committee to initiate the compulsory acquisition process.
Around 15 landowners are expected to be affected by the proposed land takeover. Local representatives have supported the road-widening plan but have also stressed the need for proper compensation.
Why the Project Matters for Pune Traffic
North Main Road serves residential and commercial areas that experience heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours and weekends. Increasing its width could improve vehicle movement and help reduce bottlenecks along the corridor.
However, the project’s progress will depend on completing the land acquisition process, addressing compensation disputes and carrying out construction with minimal disruption to existing traffic.
What Happens Next?
PMC will need to secure the necessary approvals and follow the applicable acquisition procedures before taking possession of the remaining land. Discussions with affected owners and decisions on compensation will be important to prevent further delays.
The widening project forms part of the city’s broader effort to improve road infrastructure and address congestion on key arterial routes.
Summary
PMC has initiated compulsory land acquisition for widening North Main Road in Koregaon Park from 18 metres to 30 metres along a 1.65-kilometre stretch between Westin Hotel Chowk and Tadigutta Chowk. The corporation needs 3,040 square metres of land, with acquisition estimated to cost Rs 21.4 crore. The project faces resistance from landowners citing unpaid compensation from earlier widening work.
