Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to embark on a significant infrastructural venture, earmarked at ₹303 crore, aimed at augmenting the right bank of the Mula River. The endeavour commences with the development stretch from the Wakad bypass to Sangvi bridge.
This initiative follows the retraction of an earlier tender six months ago due to divergent funding strategies between PCMC and PMC. This latest move forms a pivotal segment of the broader Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-based Riverfront Development Project (RFD), subsidised in part by development credit notes. Deputy Engineer Surendra Karpe from PMC’s project department underscores the utilisation of credit notes in executing the tender.
Concurrently, PCMC has unveiled a tender worth ₹312 crore designated for enhancing the left bank of the Mula river. However, a conclusive decision awaits the conclusion of elections, as the model code of conduct precludes immediate action. PCMC envisages direct financial injections into the development of the river’s left bank. PMC authorities reveal that contracts totalling ₹700 crore have been secured for river sections linking Bund Garden and Mundhwa bridge to Sangamwadi. A significant portion of this, ₹400 crore, is earmarked for Jaykumar Contract via credit notes.
The timeline for completion spans three years, mirroring the duration allocated for the Wakad bypass to Sangvi bridge stretch. The project is structured into phases, with the initial phase receiving ₹700 crore funding, slated for eventual transition into a PPP framework. PMC has already disbursed ₹300 crore for sections between Bund Garden and Mundhwa bridge, as well as Sangamwadi and Bund Garden. Officials emphasise the extensive span of the Mula-Mutha river, spanning 44 kilometres across diverse locales. PMC’s ambitious plan allocates ₹20 crore per kilometre, indicative of a projected timeline exceeding five years for comprehensive riverfront development. Approximately 650 hectares of land are designated for green belt expansion, with private sector contributions facilitating this endeavour. Notably, the government holds ownership of only 75 hectares of riverfront land, with development fees levied on the remaining expanse.
