Pune: The Road Development Department launched a major anti-encroachment drive on the Pune-Solapur National Highway within the Bhandgaon limits on Tuesday, December 23. Using heavy machinery and backed by a massive police force, authorities cleared illegal structures situated within the 60-meter highway boundary to facilitate the construction of a newly sanctioned flyover.
The operation was conducted under high security to prevent any law-and-order situations. The police contingent included three Police Inspectors, three Assistant Police Inspectors, six Sub-Inspectors, 80 police personnel, and a specialized unit from the Rapid Control Police (RCP). The sudden arrival of bulldozers led to scenes of panic among local shopkeepers and business owners, who were seen rushing to salvage their belongings before the structures were demolished.
Legal Disputes and Infrastructure Development
Balancing Court Proceedings with Public Projects
While the expansion of the Pune-Solapur Highway was originally completed in 2013, the Bhandgaon stretch has remained a point of contention. Local farmers had approached the High Court, claiming that the land acquisition process had taken more territory than officially sanctioned. Although the case is currently pending in the High Court, the administration moved forward with the clearance to ensure the timely commencement of the flyover project, which is deemed critical for regional traffic management.
The road department emphasized that the 60-meter right-of-way must be clear of all obstructions for the infrastructure work to proceed. Despite the ongoing legal battle, the removal of these commercial encroachments marks a significant step toward starting the bridge construction. Local authorities have maintained that the development is essential for public safety and the smooth flow of transit on one of the state’s busiest arterial roads.
