Pune: PMRDA has so far cleared 166 illegal constructions and encroachments over the past 15 days in Hinjewadi-Maan-Marunji corridor to ease traffic congestion in the area, officials said.The crackdown follows mounting complaints about unauthorized structures choking arterial roads and blocking natural drainage channels, worsening traffic flow and increasing risk of flooding. Key areas targeted include Laxmi Chowk, Wipro Circle, Maan Road, and Marunji, where many illegal structures were removed. In several cases, encroachers voluntarily dismantled their constructions after being served notices, officials said.Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) also launched surveys in Shivaji Chowk, Crematorium Road, Wakad Road, Phase 1 Road, and other parts of Hinjewadi, Maan, and Marunji. Officials said further action would be taken once these surveys were completed and fresh notices served on encroachers. PMRDA has urged residents and businesses to cooperate as part of its initiative to decongest traffic and reclaim public spaces.Meanwhile, following directives from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, a structured monitoring mechanism has been put in place with Pune divisional commissioner as the single point authority to hold fortnightly review meetings.Divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar met citizen groups on Tuesday as part of the fortnightly review and warned that delays, especially in road works, could even attract action under the Disaster Management Act.He said to ensure real-time coordination and grievance redressal, a dedicated WhatsApp group with civic officials and citizen representatives would be created, allowing residents to flag issues directly and seeking prompt resolution.After facing criticism for the past couple of months over bad roads and waterlogging in Hinjewadi area due to Metro work, PMRDA has also planned to upgrade the existing road along Metro line 3—from Maan (depot) in Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar—to a durable cement-concrete road, accompanied by improved road-related infrastructure and public amenities.PMRDA also conducted the second successful trial run of Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar. The trial was conducted at a speed of approximately 40 kmph between Mann Depot and Hinjewadi Phase 2.
