Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said officials had been directed to study the feasibility of a twin tunnel at Dive Ghat for Metro and road connectivity to the proposed Purandar airport. He said over 50% of the required land had been acquired, with consent from 91% of landowners, and the process was likely to be completed by Aug.“Govt is now in a position to begin the tendering process and is looking forward to starting actual work on the airport project this year,” the CM said, while speaking at a function to lay the foundation stones for three major road corridors in Pune district — Pune to Shirur, Hadapsar to Yavat and Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur.Addressing concerns about the project, Fadnavis said Purandar airport witnessed one of the fastest land acquisition processes in the country, with substantial progress being achieved within six months. “The airport will help position Pune on the international aviation map,” he said.On the three major road corridors, Fadnavis said officials of the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) and the district administration have been directed to complete these projects within three-and-a-half years — six months ahead of the scheduled four-year timeline. “All necessary approvals have already been secured,” he said.He said the corridors would significantly improve highway access for residents of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. “Provisions have been incorporated in the elevated road designs to accommodate future Metro viaducts, a move expected to reduce Metro construction costs by nearly 40%,” Fadnavis said.The CM said govt aimed to complete the two ring roads around Pune, spanning 173km and 86km, respectively, within the next two years. The projects are expected to cut congestion on city roads by at least 30%. He also reiterated plans to develop smaller townships within the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority area to reduce pressure on Pune city’s infrastructure.Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, who attended the event, said the city ranked among the top three to four urban centres in the country facing severe traffic congestion. He advocated the development of a “New Pune” in areas like Purandar to distribute growth and reduce pressure on the existing city.Fadnavis takes swipe at Uddhav ThackerayResponding to a question about Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s recent Ramraksha recitation programme in Nagpur, Fadnavis took a dig at his rival. “I want to congratulate him for returning to Ram. I am glad he realised that ‘Jo Ram ka nahi, woh kisi kaam ka nahi’. I hope he reads a few verses of the Ramraksha,” Fadnavis told reporters after the event.Push for 24×7 water supplyThe chief minister on Saturday directed Pune Municipal Corporation to complete the pending works under the 24×7 equitable water supply project this year. He stressed the need for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad to achieve 100% sewage and water treatment, while strengthening conservation measures to address future demand.While govt was exploring new water sources and storage facilities, Fadnavis said recycling and reuse of water would be crucial to meeting urban requirements over the next three to four decades.Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar, who was also present at the event, said Ajit Pawar had played a key role in planning the three road corridors and had closely monitored the projects.
