‘It’s impossible to cycle’: Why a massive NHAI project is leaving Pune’s Phursungi residents choking in clouds of dust

What Happened

NHAI's road widening project on Pune's Saswad Road has created significant dust pollution affecting residents since October 2024. The Hadapsar-Dive Ghat phase aims to expand the four-lane route from seven to twenty-eight meters by December. Residents report health issues, disrupted commutes, and business losses. Construction debris and sand cover the roadside, forcing cyclists to walk and delaying school buses. NHAI acknowledges challenges maintaining dust control in congested areas but states protocols are being followed.

Key Entities

AI Tools