Army stalls two key road projects,PCMC fumes

In 2008,PCMC started work on the Aundh-Ravet and Phugewadi-Dapodi stretches. In 2010,it had to stop work on a four-km stretch from Rajiv Gandhi bridge to Sai corner of the Aundh-Ravet Road and on a small part of Phugewadi-Dapodi stretch. “We had to stop because Defence Estates and the Army did not give us permission,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Prakash Kadam.

Stating that PCMC was at sea as to why public projects are being stalled by the Army,Kadam said efforts to hold dialogue and redress the issue had come to a nought. “The permission is important for the city and people. The Aundh-Ravet and Dapodi works are important for easing traffic. If these projects are stalled,people will be affected.” Kadam said PCMC,as per the land agreement,had paid over Rs 18 crore for the four-km stretch on Aundh-Ravet Road and two other stretches. “Yet,there has not green signal for starting work there,” he said.

PCMC officials said builders who make profits get permission anywhere,but a civic project for public good finds no favour with the Army. “We are a government body working for people,the Army should be proactive in helping us,” officials said. Kadam said they do not know whom to approach and how to get the work on track in the absence of proper communication channels.

Municipal commissioner Asheesh Sharma said on his part has been making efforts to get the sanction for the works as cost has been escalating and the traffic problem remains unresolved. “We are in dialogue with the Southern Command. We hope to get permission soon,” Sharma said.

When contacted,S V R Chandrashekhar,officiating Defence Estates Officer,Southern Command,said,“We have already given permission for the road. In fact,road construction on that area of land is currently on.”

When told the Army was not allowing it,Chandrashekhar said,“We have given permission….About the Army,you should ask them.” PCMC joint city engineer M T Kamble said,“Permission was given three years back,but was withdrawn sometime back.” PCMC Deputy Director,Town Planning,Avinash Patil said they paid Rs 18 crore for three stretches and would pay for other roads too. “The amount for Aundh-Ravet was paid in March,yet we have not received permission. The works have been stalled for a year now.”