Pipeline Work For Pune’s 24×7 Water Supply Project Faces Delays Due To Traffic Diversion Issues
Pipeline Work For Pune's 24x7 Water Supply Project Faces Delays Due To Traffic Diversion Issues
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) ambitious 24×7 water supply project has hit a roadblock, with nearly 300km of pipeline work remaining incomplete due to issues with traffic diversion approvals.
Despite commencing the project five years ago, the PMC has struggled to obtain timely approvals from the traffic department, resulting in significant delays in the pipeline laying process. The project aims to provide equitable water supply across the city, involving the construction of 103 tanks, laying a 1,200km pipeline network, and installing nearly 3 lakh water meters.
Prithviraj B P, the additional commissioner of PMC, while communicating with mediapersons stated that “We are reaching out to the traffic department for quicker approval to traffic diversion requests. This is necessary for better coordination of road digging and traffic management.”
While the PMC has made progress in areas such as Nagar Road, Satara Road, Karvenagar, and Kothrud, work in Hadapsar, Solapur Road, and Peth areas has been slow to gain momentum.
Citizens’ groups have criticized the PMC’s approach to road digging and restoration, citing the inconvenience caused to commuters.
The PMC has invested around Rs3,000 crore in the project, with over 50% of the targeted water meter installations completed. Despite the delays, the civic administration remains committed to completing the project, which is expected to significantly enhance the city’s water supply infrastructure.
