Phursungi residents demolish properties for NH-965 project

Residents of Phursungi have started to voluntarily demolish parts of their properties. This step is intended to help with the long-delayed road widening project on NH-965. The project aims to improve road safety and enhance traffic flow. Many locals have chosen to remove structures themselves. They want to avoid potential damage that could occur if government machinery were used. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is overseeing the expansion project, which stretches between Dive Ghat and Phursungi. This road widening project has faced delays for over a decade, particularly on the Hadapsar-Saswad route. Over the years, this section has seen numerous accidents and severe traffic congestion. Authorities had issued notices to residents asking them to clear their buildings, and many have complied in light of the need for safer roads. The project was first announced by union transport minister Nitin Gadkari around ten years ago. While progress was made on other sections, delays in land acquisition held up work on Phursungi-Dive Ghat. Now, land acquisition is complete, and compensation has been paid, leading residents to begin clearing their properties. One resident, Nilesh Jadhav, explained that he chose to demolish part of his building instead of waiting for officials to do it. “After years of waiting, the road widening is finally happening,” he said. Another resident mentioned that receiving fair compensation from the government motivated him to clear his encroachment voluntarily. Local activist Dhananjay Kamthe noted that poor road conditions had resulted in over 200 fatalities in the past decade. He believes the road widening will help resolve these issues. Sanjay Kadam, NHAI's Pune project director, expressed gratitude for the residents’ cooperation in removing encroachments. The expansion plan includes features like a railway overbridge, underpasses, service roads, and an elevated flyover, expected to enhance traffic movement. Authorities are encouraging any remaining residents to clear their structures quickly to avoid delays in the project.