Pune’s proposed ring road to help with city’s air pollution: UD Minister

PUNE: Eknath Shinde, Minister of Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra, said on Friday, July 30, that the proposed 173-kilometer ring road in Pune will increase the connectivity of the city with its neighboring areas. The move will enhance the socio-economic development of the region and cut its air pollution by 25 per cent. The circular ring road is estimated to be used by over 70,000 vehicles each day and connects all highways skirting past Pune. 

Shinde said that the ring road will divert heavy traffic from the city and will serve around 29 villages. Shinde added that the ring road will be built in two phases and will be costing Rs 26,831 crore. The road, which will be toll-free, will have eight major bridges, 47 minor bridges, 18 viaducts, 17 tunnels, four roadways over-bridges and 14 multi-level interchanges. 

Stressing on the significance of the ring road with regard to air pollution levels, Shinde said the road will help in pushing traffic away from the city. Due to rapid urbanization and expansion, Pune has millions of cars arriving in the city each day, which significantly mounts up its pollution levels.