The Bombay High Court has directed the Pune divisional commissioner and other relevant authorities to address public grievances regarding the Pune Metro project within two months. The directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by petitioners Qaneez Sukhrani, Ashutosh Mashruwala, and Umesh Magar, who criticised the implementation of the project, particularly the construction of the Ramwadi and Yerwada Metro stations on Nagar Road.
The petitioners accused Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro), the main body responsible for the Pune Metro project, of poor planning and lack of foresight. They argued that the construction of these metro stations had been executed without adequate consideration for traffic management, resulting in significant bottlenecks. The petitioners also highlighted the absence of planned parking facilities for the metro stations, which has exacerbated traffic issues in the area.
“We highlighted the chaotic and non-holistic construction of Metro stations in and around Pune city and the traffic bottlenecks created due to the poor planning of the stations. We also pointed out the failure of the authorities to plan parking bays for the Metro Stations on Nagar Road,” Sukhrani said. She added that these concerns had been raised in various representations since 2022, but had not been adequately addressed.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) responded by stating that the construction of the metro stations was in an advanced stage and nearing completion. They argued that entertaining complaints at this point would be uncalled for. However, the bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar directed the Pune divisional commissioner to promptly address the public’s concerns. The court emphasised the importance of resolving these issues to ensure the project’s success and to mitigate the adverse impacts on the city’s traffic flow.
Pune Metro officials acknowledged the grievances raised by the petitioners and assured the court that efforts were already underway to resolve the issues. “We are actively working on the matter and will try to address the concerns raised by the citizens,” a Pune Metro official stated.
The Bombay High Court’s intervention underscores the necessity for meticulous planning and execution in urban infrastructure projects. The court’s directive aims to ensure that the Pune Metro project not only meets its operational deadlines but also integrates seamlessly into the city’s urban fabric, minimising disruption and enhancing the quality of life for Pune’s residents.
As the Pune Metro project progresses, it remains crucial for the authorities to engage with the public and address their concerns proactively. Effective communication and transparent planning are essential to garner public support and ensure the project’s long-term success. The High Court’s directive serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsiveness in public infrastructure projects.
