Congress Demands Rs 2,000 Crore Funds For Development Projects In Pune
Congress Demands Rs 2,000 Crore Funds For Development Projects In Pune
Pune: Congress State Vice President and former MLA Mohan Joshi has demanded a budget allocation of ₹2,000 crore in the Union and State budgets for Pune’s development. The funds are sought for equitable water supply, metro expansion, strengthening public transport, and completing stalled projects in the city.
Joshi met Finance Minister Maharashtra State Ajit Pawar and submitted a memorandum detailing the demand. Following the meeting, Pawar promptly contacted relevant officials to review pending projects and issued necessary instructions. Congress leaders Dutta Bahirat, Prashant Surse, Chetan Agarwal, Youth Congress State General Secretary Prathamesh Abnave, and Suresh Kamble were also present during the discussion.
Explaining the rationale for the demand, Joshi highlighted that several city projects remain stalled due to a lack of funds. He noted that during the Congress-led government, Pune received ₹2,500 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and an additional ₹500 crore from the State Government, facilitating the completion of various projects. However, key initiatives such as equitable water supply, river improvement, and metro expansion have been delayed, necessitating immediate funding.
Joshi further emphasized that with the BJP in power at both the Centre and the State, special financial provisions for Pune should be included in their annual budgets. Discussions also addressed improving public transport through bus procurement, resolving traffic congestion, curbing illegal advertisements, and tackling encroachments on city roads.
