Pune Cantonment Faces Civic Decay: Stalled Projects, Encroachments, and Unsafe Roads Spark Public Outcry

Pune, October 29, 2025: In the heart of the historic commercial stretch of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) lies a tale of urban ambition gone off-track: a long-delayed parking complex, crumbling road dividers, blocked thoroughfares, and un-cleared encroachments — all within sight of the strategic Southern Command area, raising questions of civic accountability and security.

The Parking Complex That Never Arrives Only a Skeleton Remain Hanging

The PCB had envisaged a modern parking facility to ease traffic and cater to the Camp area’s parking crunch. For example: a project of approximately ₹17 crore, automated multi-level and designed to accommodate about 200 vehicles, was announced for an area near East Street.

However, the project has stalled. Reports indicate that lack of funds and missing GST reimbursements have prevented completion. Residents note that the land remains under-utilised and encroachment is setting in. This delay comes despite the fact that the same road stretch is already burdened with heavy vehicle movement, and the absence of a dedicated facility is keenly felt.

Lotus Road – Blocked Roads, Encroachment & Security Risk

One of the major concerns is the blockage of a road known locally as “Lotus Road” next to East Street Café (behind Bombay Garage) which for over five years has reportedly been non‐functional as a thoroughfare. Encroachment is said to have taken root, with no visible encroachment‐clearance drive to date.

Adding to the concern, a recent news report found that used-car dealers are allegedly using PCB roads (including East Street) as open-air showrooms — “rent-free” — causing vehicular chaos and raising security flags given the proximity to defence establishments.

For a territory adjoining the Southern Command zone, roads with blocked access, encroachment and unregulated parking pose not just inconvenience but potential security vulnerabilities. 

Dividers in Disrepair: From Indira Gandhi Chowk to Pull Gate Signal

The stretch of road from the Indira Gandhi Chowk Signal to the Pull Gate Signal has reportedly seen almost no maintenance by PCB — particularly the road medians and iron grills that once separated traffic lanes. The dividers are described as “in shambles”, with iron barriers missing and two-wheelers frequently forced to cross lanes dangerously.

A specific report on East Street notes: “The two-decade-old divider … has been completely damaged over the years … the divider and iron barriers … have also disappeared. This is one of the busiest roads under PCB.”

PCB officials admit they lack funds to repair the dividers. This state of neglect on an arterial road is a serious safety concern for commuters and pedestrians alike. The saga of the stalled parking complex, the blocked road behind Camp’s East Street, and the crumbling dividers along one of the Cantonment’s busiest stretches is not just about broken asphalt or delayed concrete. It’s about trust — between citizens and the civic body, between security institutions and the administrative infrastructure that supports them.

For the Pune Cantonment Board, the message is clear: The silent placeholder stands. It is time to either get this built or get this gone. The citizens, commuters and strategic establishments in the area deserve no less. Taxpayers Money being completely wasted…

When Pune Pulse spoke to Savita Wagholikar, Chief Revenue Superintendent said, “The spot would be checked if it’s allotted for parking or not. Residents can raise their complaints to the PCB office.”