Pune Citizens Agenda For Fadnavis Government: Metro Expansion, Ring Roads, And Civic Elections
Pune Metro To Build A New Station At Balaji Nagar Near Bharati Vidyapeeth To Benefit Students And Commuters
As Devendra Fadnavis takes charge as the chief minister of Maharashtra, Pune is eagerly awaiting swift action on several pressing issues. The city’s notorious traffic woes, stagnant civic development, and pending infrastructure projects are some of the key concerns that require immediate attention.
Metro Expansion and Ring Roads
The expansion of the Metro rail network and the development of two proposed outer ring roads are crucial for reducing traffic congestion in Pune. The state cabinet has approved two new Metro routes: Nal Stop to Warje-Manikbaug and Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hada psar Kharadi. These routes aim to extend the Metro’s reach to the city’s outskirts and reduce traffic congestion.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has also proposed a 128.08 km long inner ring road to reduce traffic congestion in Pune city by diverting heavy vehicles. The project is expected to promote the development of suburban areas by connecting them to main roads.
Civic Elections and Development of Merged Villages
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been without corporators for three years, resulting in a significant impact on governance and the daily lives of citizens. The delay in civic elections stems from legal disputes over redrawing ward boundaries and addressing the lack of Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations in municipal councils and panchayats.
The development of the newly merged 32 fringe villages in the PMC limit is also a pressing concern. Residents are demanding the formation of a new Municipal Corporation for the merged villages, citing a lack of infrastructure and basic facilities.
Purandar Airport and Mulshi Dam Water Supply
The Purandar Airport project, first proposed in 2018, remains stuck despite five years of promises. The project faced a major setback in 2021 when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) withdrew its no-objection certificate (NOC).
The proposal to use 5-7 TMC of water from the Mulshi Dam for Pune is also in limbo. The state water resource department formed a committee in 2021 to assess the feasibility of the project, but no further action has been taken.
Law and Order Situation
Pune’s deteriorating law and order situation is another pressing concern that requires decisive action. Citizens are demanding improved safety measures and a stronger police presence to curb anti-social elements.
As the Fadnavis government takes charge, Pune residents are hopeful that these pressing issues will be addressed promptly. With the city’s growth and development at stake, it is essential that the government prioritizes these concerns and works towards finding solutions.
