As Pune gears up for the much-anticipated Ganeshotsav celebrations in September, the ongoing Pune Metro construction is set to cause significant disruptions in the historic Mandai area. Barricades erected for the construction of a Metro station and its associated entry-exit points will remain in place throughout the festival, much to the dismay of local shopkeepers and residents. The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has acknowledged the likelihood that the construction work will not be completed before the commencement of the festival. Despite the allocation of a substantial workforce to accelerate the pending tasks, officials have expressed uncertainty about the removal of barricades by the first week of September.
A senior Maha Metro official stated, “We are working with a large team to expedite the ongoing construction, but given the scale of the project, we cannot guarantee that the barricades will be removed before Ganeshotsav. The situation is further complicated by the potential for delays, especially if there are heavy rains.” This announcement has dashed the hopes of local vendors and shopkeepers in the Mandai and Shivaji Road areas, who had been eagerly anticipating the completion of the construction. Many had expected that the barricades would be dismantled before the festival, allowing for smoother traffic flow and a boost in business during the festive period. However, it now appears that the disruptions will persist for at least another two months, if not longer.
One of the local vendors expressed frustration over the prolonged disruptions, noting that traffic issues have plagued the area for nearly three years since the Metro project commenced. “The barricades have made it difficult for customers to access our shops. We were hoping for some relief before Ganeshotsav, but it looks like we’ll have to wait even longer,” the vendor lamented. Similarly, residents of Bopodi and other areas who frequent Mandai have voiced their concerns about the ongoing inconvenience. A resident noted that while the Metro extension to Mandai will eventually enhance commuting convenience, the current situation is far from ideal.
The continuation of barricades during Ganeshotsav will undoubtedly impact the festive spirit in the area, as Mandai is a crucial hub for the celebrations. The road closures and restricted access could lead to significant traffic snarls, further inconveniencing both devotees and businesses.The Pune Metro project, which promises to transform the city’s public transport landscape, is now at the centre of a growing debate between the need for modern infrastructure and the preservation of traditional festivities. As the project progresses, it remains to be seen how the authorities will balance these competing interests, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of Pune’s rich cultural heritage
