The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has taken a significant step towards planned urbanisation by securing final state government approval for four new Town Planning (TP) Schemes. This pivotal decision is set to accelerate infrastructure development in several fast-growing villages and is a critical component of PMRDA’s strategy to streamline land use and development. A key outcome of these approvals is the greenlighting of a 6.8-km stretch of the city’s proposed ring road, a project vital for easing traffic congestion and enhancing regional connectivity. This strategic move marks a shift towards a more organised and sustainable growth model for the entire Pune Metropolitan Region.
The approved schemes include two for Wadachiwadi, one for Autade-Handewadi, and a fourth scheme for the Fursungi area, which now falls under the Pune Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction. This model of planned development, known as the TP Scheme, is central to PMRDA’s vision for a modern, equitable, and zero-net-carbon city. The approach is designed to ensure that land development is not haphazard but follows a clear, pre-defined blueprint that allocates land for public amenities, roads, and green spaces. By doing so, the authority can ensure a more balanced and sustainable growth, preventing the urban sprawl and infrastructure deficits that often plague rapidly expanding metropolitan areas. Officials have confirmed that land possession is already underway following stakeholder consultations, signifying a move from policy to concrete action.
In a forward-looking move, the PMRDA has also issued a public notice for an additional 15 proposed TP schemes. These new schemes, aimed at acquiring land for a 65-meter-wide curving road, cover numerous villages including Wagholi, Avhalwadi, Manjari Khurd, Maan, and Bavdhan Budruk. The consultative process for these new proposals is a commendable aspect of this initiative, with the PMRDA commissioner emphasising that finalisation will only occur after detailed discussions with local public representatives, citizens, and farmers. This inclusive, people-centric approach is vital for building trust and ensuring that the needs of local communities are integrated into the final development plan, making the process more democratic and socially equitable.
This concerted push for planned urbanisation is crucial for Pune’s future as a sustainable and well-managed city. By using TP schemes to unlock land for infrastructure projects like the ring road, the PMRDA is not only addressing the current traffic and connectivity issues but is also laying the groundwork for future growth. The development of a robust and well-planned road network is a prerequisite for economic development, attracting investment, and improving the quality of life for all residents. The authority’s dual focus on immediate implementation and long-term planning, combined with its commitment to stakeholder consultation, positions Pune on a strong trajectory to become a model of sustainable and equitable urban growth for the entire country.
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