Pune (PMC) Allocates ₹3 Crore for the Controversial Balbharti-Paud Road

Report by The Newsage Pune.

Balbharti-Paud Phata Road Project by PMC Remains Static After Assurances

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has allocated ₹3 crore in its budget to kickstart the long-delayed Balbharti-Paud Phata road project after the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition against it. Originally proposed in the 1980s to ease traffic congestion between Senapati Bapat Road and Paud Phata in Kothrud, the project has faced persistent opposition from environmentalists and residents.

PMC has allocated ₹3 crore towards the project of the long overdue Balbharti-Paud Phata road. This project has always remained controversial since the 1980s as it was and is still believed that the 2.1-kilometer route will cause significant ecological damage and not bring about stark difference in the traffic pollution. However, PMC opposes this ideology and assures notable changes.

Critics argue that the 2.1-kilometer road through Vetal Tekdi (Low College Hill) will cause significant ecological damage, including deforestation and disruption of local biodiversity. Environmental groups like Deccan Gymkhana Parisar Samiti and Save Pune Traffic Movement oppose the project, citing previous rejections on environmental grounds.

Beyond ecological concerns, opponents fear increased congestion on adjacent roads like Law College Road and Prabhat Road, along with potential harm to vital aquifers. The PMC, however, insists that the partially elevated road will minimize environmental impact and improve traffic flow while reducing vehicle pollution. The project remains contentious despite these assurances.