Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has instructed the officials to expand subways on the Pune–Satara highway to deal with increasing traffic snarls due to the sudden spurt of vehicles. Inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Pune on Sunday, Gadkari stressed that urgent action is needed to bridge recurring traffic jams.

Pointing to the heavy traffic bottlenecks between Hinjewadi and Pune, the minister also urged a new underpass construction and asked the officials to carry out inspections at key points. He emphasized that the much-delayed Bhugaon bypass has to be completed immediately, asking the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to push land acquisition with speed.

Bhugaon Bypass Project Details

Length: 860 metres

Width: 18 metres, 4-lane structure

Project Cost: ₹15.3 crore

Completion Timeline: 9 months

Land Procurement: 95% acquired with FSI and TDR compensation frameworks

Upon completion, the bypass will meaningfully decongest the Chandni Chowk–Bhugaon section and constitute an important connection with Pune's planned Ring Road. It will enhance connectivity for commuters going from Chandni Chowk towards Mulshi, serving localities like Bhugaon, Bhukum, and Pirangut, while relieving the load on the Pune–Kolad National Highway.

Local MLA Mahesh Landge confirmed Gadkari’s directives in a tweet, stating that the project would bring long-awaited relief to daily commuters.