Pune’s Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial at Bhidewada in Budhwar Peth is nearing completion, with major civil works finished and electrical, audio-visual and holography installations currently under way, according to civic officials.
Food, civil supplies and consumer protection minister Chhagan Bhujbal inspected the under-construction memorial on Saturday. The Pune Municipal Corporation has earmarked around 272.57 square metres for the project, which has a planned built-up area of 1,114.55 square metres and an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore.
Civic officials said the completed works include reinforced cement concrete construction, steel structures, brickwork, plastering, false ceiling framework and the firefighting system. Electrical installations are now being completed, along with the systems intended to deliver the memorial’s audio-visual and holographic presentations.
The facility is planned as an immersive centre focused on the lives and contributions of Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. Its proposed visitor experience includes theme-based audio-visual presentations, dome projections, holographic displays and documentaries about the social reformers.
The memorial will also include a skill development centre for girls and women, a library, a guidance centre, a computer centre and an amphitheatre. These facilities mean the project is being developed not only as a commemorative structure, but also as a public-facing education and community facility within the historic Budhwar Peth area.
An expert committee has been appointed to oversee the audio-visual and holography components. The committee’s role covers the technology and presentation elements that will shape how visitors encounter the memorial’s content once the facility opens.
The project is located at Bhidewada, widely associated with the early work of Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in education and social reform. The memorial’s planned programming therefore combines interpretation of that legacy with facilities aimed at learning, digital access and skills development.
During the inspection, Bhujbal also responded to questions about speculation over a possible merger between two rival Nationalist Congress Party factions. He said discussions would not produce results unless NCP chief Sunetra Pawar took a decision on the matter. Asked about the positions of Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar, he said journalists should seek their views directly.
The civic project’s next visible milestone is the completion and integration of its electrical, audio-visual and holography systems. No opening date was provided in the report.
