Land acquisition stalls Katraj Chowk flyover work, yet again

Project now hinges on the acquisition of 11 key land parcels, seven of which have been obtained so far

- Siddharth Gadkari

PUNE: Delayed already, the Katraj Chowk flyover project has hit yet another roadblock this time due to pending land acquisition in the Rajas Society area. Nearly half of the flyover has been constructed; however, completion of the project now hinges on the acquisition of 11 key land parcels, seven out of which have been taken over so far. So far, 2,139 square metres out of a total 4,577 square metres of obstructing land has been acquired at a cost of ₹9 crore. The remaining 2,438 square metres remains to be acquired. Locals are growing increasingly impatient and are urging the authorities to expedite acquisition of the remaining land parcels.

The property department has passed on responsibility to the land acquisition office which recently conducted a fresh land survey. Officials have now begun compulsory acquisition proceedings under the Land Acquisition Act and have invited suggestions and objections from the affected property owners, giving the latter a one-month window for their response.