Pune Infra Watch: In latest flip-flop, PMRDA to prepare fresh DPR for 65-metre-wide inner ring road

The PMRDA had initially proposed a 90-metre-wide inner ring road initially and its width was increased to 110m later to match with that of the proposed outer ring road. However, after spending Rs 4.4 crore for a DPR based on that proposal, it is now appointing a new agency to start all over again.

e PMRDA undertook the work of preparing the DPR for the 110-metre-wide inner ring road at Rs 5.79 crore and almost 90 per cent of it was completed by a private agency. (Representational image/Express)

After spending Rs 4.4 crore for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for a 110-metre-wide inner ring road in the metropolitan region, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has now decided to dump it and prepare a fresh DPR for the 128-km road for which the width would be reduced to 65 metres.

The PMRDA had first proposed a 90-metre-wide inner ring road in the metropolitan region but its width was increased to 110 metres to match that of the proposed outer ring road to be developed by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), especially given both the ring roads are expected to have a common stretch of 40 km. Accordingly, the PMRDA undertook the work of preparing the DPR for the 110-metre-wide inner ring road at Rs 5.79 crore and almost 90 per cent of it was completed by a private agency.

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However, the PMRDA recently decided to reduce the width of the inner ring road to 65 metres citing that there would already be an outer ring road which is 110 metres wide and did not accept the DPR being prepared by the agency. “The agency refused to prepare a new DPR for the 65-metre inner ring road. Thus, the PMRDA is appointing a new agency for this,” said a PMRDA official.

According to officials, the 40-km common stretch with the outer ring road has been handed over to the MSRDC for development while the work on the 6.19 km stretch from Wagholi to Lohegaon has already been undertaken. Thus, the new DPR will be only for the remaining 81.89 km.

The private agency will have to prepare and submit the DPR and estimates for work including, plan and profile with detailed road cross sections to be adopted based on traffic and pedestrian needs, said officials.

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The plans should show the location of existing underground and overhead public utilities, they added. The consultant should prepare a report identifying and covering various utilities which are likely to be installed soon to enable the PMRDA to prepare a coordinated plan for simultaneous implementation, they said.

Meanwhile, the MSRDC has speeded up the acquisition of land for the development of the outer ring road with the hope of starting the work by the end of the year.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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