Mahatma Phule Mandai to get a makeover
PMC joins hands with the MahaMetro for the beautification task
Pune: Pune Municipal corporation and MahaMetro jointly have allocated Rs 11.68 crore for the development and beautification of Mahatma Phule Mandai.
After the work is completed, the Mandai area will become pedestrian-friendly, say authorities.
The work of the Metro underground station at Mahatma Phule Mandai is progressing rapidly. The area is very crowded due to the historical structure of Mahatma Phule Mandai and also, because of the shops selling various goods. Also Kasba Peth, Shukrawar Peth and Budhwar Peth have a large number of historical monuments, such as Lal Mahal, Shaniwar Wada, Nana Wada, Vishram Bagh Wada, Village Deity of Pune Kasba Ganapati and Tambadi Jogeshwari, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, Trishund Ganpati, Tulshibagh etc.
Pune Metro and Pune Municipal Corporation have devised a plan to connect all these places and provide information about these places through a ‘Heritage Walk’ and so, a memorandum of understanding has been signed recently by commissioner Vikram Kumar on behalf of PMC and Atul Gadgil, director (works) on behalf of Pune Metro.
Sharing details about the MoU, Dr Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director of Mahametro, said, “Mahametro is trying to develop the area around the metro stations in addition to the development of metro stations. With the cooperation of Pune Municipal Corporation, the development plan of Mahatma Phule Mandai area has been prepared. The proposed plan will change the look of this area. The entire Mahatma Phule Mandai will be made pedestrian friendly. “
Work to be carried out in Mandai area
1. Mandai Metro Station and Budhwar Peth Metro Station will bring about a major change in the public transport system in the area. Accordingly, measures will be taken to reduce traffic congestion by comprehensively considering bus stops, e-rickshaws, bicycle, two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler parking.
2. Appropriate planning of footpaths and underground footpaths for pedestrians for heritage walk tours. Historical buildings in this area, Tambat Ali, Burud Ali religious places, Mahatma Phule Mandai and Tulshibaug are all close-by. Therefore, a ‘self-guided audio tour’ has been planned.
3. New buildings on the Mandai side for shops displaced by metro works. The new building will be in line with the old Mandai building. The exterior will be made to resemble the heritage architecture of Mandi.
4. Also, an open-air theatre will be built in the Mandai area and also the facilities required for holding different cultural programmes will be provided.
5. A ‘Special Barrier Free Pedestrian Zone’ will be created for pedestrians on the side of the main structure of the Mandai. Two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler vehicles will be prohibited in this area.
Jigar Hindocha
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