India, Aug. 9 -- Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has directed the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to reduce road width to 24 metres in gaothan (village settlement) areas, instead of the proposed 36 metres, after opposition from residents of Hinjewadi and Maan.

The decision was taken on Friday after villagers, including Hinjewadi sarpanch Ganesh Jambhulkar, met with Pawar and explained how the road widening would impact temples, schools, the gram panchayat building, and houses in the area.

Jambhulkar said, "On Friday, villagers met Pawar and explained the problems we would face due to the road widening. Our temples, school, the gram panchayat building, and houses would be affected. Responding positively, the deput...