Parrikar promises to push Lulla Nagar flyover

The 490-metre flyover from the ridge to the abattoir was cleared in 2011 by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The contract for the 15 metre wide four-lane flyover was awarded to Atur India Private Limited after floating tenders. On January 31, 2012, PMC authorities received a stop work order from the Defence Estates officer which said the road belonged to the defence department and was acquired in 1937 and so PMC cannot construct on that land. Even as talks were on for the last two years, there has been no progress.

Hadapsar MLA Yogesh Tilekar, who had taken up the issue, said Parrikar had given a positive sign and the project should be cleared soon. “The minister was briefed on the issue and said it should be resolved locally. He said a dialogue should be initiated and the issue resolved as the civic body had only asked for working permission and maintenance of flyover and not ownership of road,” said Tilekar who held talks with the Defence Minister on the issue.

PMC officials said that in view of increase in traffic at Lulla Nagar chowk, construction of the flyover and widening of slip roads from Golibar maidan to Kondwa had become imperative. The work stoppage and several meetings later, PMC had in September had come up with a Memorandum of Understanding.

“The ownership of land will not change and it will be with the defence authority,” said an official.

The MoU stated that PMC has agreed to construct and maintain the flyover and slip roads on defence land. “We had requested only for working permission and to make available a lane for construction of a flyover and widening of slip roads at the chowk,” said PMC officials.

Tilekar and Sainath Babar from the area who had been pursuing the matter said once the green signal is given, construction can begin. It would not hinder the flow of traffic as only part of the road will be closed. The flyover will extend from Sony World area to Kondhwa slaughter house road and help reduce traffic in peak hours making commuting simpler, he said.