The road is the easiest route for residents of Pimple Saudagar to reach Aundh, Baner and other areas. If closed, residents have to take a longer route to access Sangvi-Kiwale road to reach these areas. About a year ago, when the road was closed, the civic officials had to seek the intervention of the divisional commissioner to solve the impasse.

Therefore, the civic administration has planned to construct an alternative road at the stretch as well as to widen the old road, from the municipal school till Rakshak chowk, to 20 metres. The civic body has tabled a proposal before the general body.

A civic official said the alternative road will be 18-metre wide and will pass from survey no 59 to 121, adjacent to the defence land. The PCMC has possession of more than 70% of the land needed for the project. The estimated cost is Rs 8.70 crore, whereas the civic body needs Rs 1.50 crore to widen the old road.

Shirish Poreddy, spokesperson for the engineering department, said, “The department will prepare a detailed project report after approval from the GB for both projects. Bids from private contractors will be invited.”

The project report will indicate how much land is needed form private land owners and the defence authorities. “Both roads will have four lanes and footpaths,” he added.

Local NCP corporator Nana Kate said, “Earlier, there was a road from Pimple Saudgar till the post office located ahead of Rakshak Chowk along Sangvi-Kiwale road. But, the defence authorities closed the road 25 years ago, after which the existing road was built. This road also passes through the defence land.”

Kate said the development plan 14 years ago had proposed a road from Planet Millenium to Ginger society, further to Shivar chowk and ending at Jagtap Dairy on the Sangvi Kiwale road. But farmers had opposed land acquisition and the road could not be developed.

“These farmers had later sold their land to some builders, who are now willing to give it for the proposed road. However, this road cannot be a good alternative to the existing Panet Millenium-Rakshak chowk road as people will have to travel a longer distance,” Kate added.

Anita Shinde, a local resident said, “The road from Planet Millenium to Rakshak chowk is too narrow and must be widened so that the vehicles can travel faster.”

Rohit Mane, a local resident said, “The civic body has acquired land from the defence authorities for widening the Pune-Mumbai highway. Similarly it should acquire the land for widening this road that passes through defence land. The defence authorities should give the requisite land for road widening in public interest.”