Pune to get its first tallest building soon ; PMC approves construction of 45-storey building in Bopodi 

In a groundbreaking development, Pune is set to witness the construction of its first 45-storey building.

This remarkable skyscraper will be situated in the suburbs, marking a significant shift in the city’s architectural landscape. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has already approved 19 projects with heights exceeding 100 meters, mirroring the trend seen in Mumbai.

Urban planners said that vertical growth was only beneficial in conjunction with adequate public infrastructure. Before such projects are approved, adequate water supply, fire safety precautions, and drainage lines must be in place. The construction of high-rise buildings would cause chaotic traffic in the city if the road infrastructure was not improved beforehand.

The PMC has approved the first-ever 160.5 meter, 45-storey building in Bopodi. This marks a significant milestone in Pune’s architectural evolution.

So far, the PMC has permitted the construction of the tallest buildings in the areas of Baner, Balewadi, Kharadi, and Vadgaonsheri. In Sangamwadi, Bibvewadi, Aundh, Yerwada etc, constructions within 100 meters have been allowed earlier. In the central part of the city, the Shukrawar and Somwar Peth have allowed buildings of 82.5 meters and 104 meters height respectively.

With the continuous rise in Pune’s population, the state government has periodically expanded the city limits. The incorporation of 23 villages in 1997 marked the beginning, and this process has continued through various phases, encompassing 34 villages by 2021.

As the city expanded, several prominent construction projects emerged, particularly in areas like Kharadi, Vadgaonsheri, Baner, and Balewadi, known for their concentration of IT companies. The increased demand for flats in these regions is evident from higher property rates, contributing to the proliferation of skyscrapers in these areas.

A high-rise is defined by the Unified Development Control and Promotion Rules (UDCPR) as a structure that is 24 meters or higher above the average surrounding ground level.

“The construction of tall buildings in the city is increasing. Construction projects on roads with a width of more than 24 meters and meeting all the criteria are allowed. Four proposals have been approved in the meeting held on Tuesday. It is mandatory for these construction projects to construct sewage treatment plants and reuse this water,” said Vikram Kumar, Pune Municipal Commissioner.

The Maharashtra Fire (Prevention and Life Safety Measures) Act, 2006, the National Building Code of India, which is periodically amended to address topics not covered by the UDCPR, and the provisions of the UDCPR have made it mandatory for all high-rise buildings to adhere to the requirements of structural design and stability, geo-technical and other aspects, and fire safety norms.

According to the UDCPR, certifications from structural and geotechnical engineers attesting to the application’s compliance with the requirements must be included. It is the owner/developer’s responsibility to ensure the structural stability and safety of these high-rise buildings, as well as the responsibility of relevant experts, consultants, and executives who have been appointed by them.

The state government has made a decisive move, allowing the construction of buildings exceeding 70 meters under specific conditions, considering factors like road width and plot area. Initially overseen by a committee chaired by the Divisional Commissioner, which meticulously reviewed and sanctioned projects, these responsibilities have now been delegated to the Municipal Commissioner.

As per data, the current high-rise buildings in the city are:

• Baner – 5
• Balewadi – 5
• Kharadi – 4
• Vadgaonsheri – 4
• Bibwewadi – 3
• Erandwane – 3
• Gultekdi – 3
• Yerawada – 2
• Mundhwa – 2
• Sangamwadi – 1
• Shukrawar Peth – 1
• Aundh – 1
• Kondhwa – 1
• Wanowrie – 1
• Ghorpadi – 1
• Mangaldas Road – 1
• Mohammadwadi – 1
• Bopodi – 1
• Somwar Peth – 1

In a recent high-rise committee meeting chaired by the Commissioner, the groundbreaking approval for the tallest building to date, standing at 160 meters, was granted. This marks the 41st proposal approved by the PMC for tall buildings, with 15 projects surpassing the 100-meter height threshold.