Pune Set For Major Expansion As 23 Villages To Get Integrated Development; 15 Big Town Planning Schemes Fast-Tracked
CM Fadnavis orders PMC to prepare development plan, transfer of building-permit powers clears way for smoother urban growth.
Pune is headed for a massive expansion, with the state government approving an ambitious push to develop 23 merged villages under 15 large Integrated Town Planning (ITP) schemes. The move, described by officials as building “another Pune inside Pune,” aims to provide urban-level facilities in rapidly growing fringe areas struggling under population pressure, industrialisation and real-estate activity.
At a high-level meeting chaired in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to immediately prepare a development plan for all 23 villages merged into city limits in 2021. He also sought fixed timelines for completing the 15 ongoing ITP schemes, stressing that delays hurt both citizens and developers. The CM specifically asked officials to accelerate the long-pending Maan–Mhalunge town planning scheme.
A major administrative shift was also approved: the authority to issue building permits in these 23 villages will now move from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to the Municipal Corporation. This is expected to streamline permissions and align construction activity with the city’s infrastructure planning.
Until now, PMRDA issued building permits in these villages because it was preparing their development plans. Revenue from construction permissions flowed to PMRDA, while PMC was responsible for providing basic infrastructure such as water supply, roads, drainage networks and storm-water systems. This mismatch often led to tension between the two bodies and frustration among citizens.
Officials noted that PMRDA had issued numerous construction permits without verifying availability of essential services, leading to complaints from homebuyers about missing roads, poor water supply and inadequate drainage lines. After field inspections in Wagholi and neighbouring areas, PMC had even requested a halt on new PMRDA permissions until basic amenities were assured.
Local activists and residents had also appealed to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for a shift in authority, arguing that PMC should supervise building permissions within its own municipal limits. With Thursday’s decision, PMC will now review permits strictly on the basis of existing infrastructure. Areas lacking water, road connectivity or drainage will see construction permissions re-evaluated or withheld.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the shift will ensure responsible development: construction clearances will now be linked to the availability of basic facilities, preventing unplanned growth and protecting homebuyers.
In line with infrastructure priorities, the Chief Minister also directed that the newly constructed flyover near Savitribai Phule Pune University be opened for public use without waiting for a formal inauguration. The decision comes amid repeated demands from residents to ease congestion around the area.
Senior officials including the Chief Secretary, divisional commissioner, PMC commissioner and district collector attended the meeting. The Pune Metropolitan Commissioner also presented a detailed status report on ongoing development work.
The integrated push across 23 villages and 15 town planning schemes marks one of Pune’s biggest urban expansions in recent years, laying the foundation for a more structured and service-ready growth corridor around the city.
