Rainwater flooded several key roads across the city this week, exposing yet again the poor coordination between Pune Metro authorities and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Despite multiple reminders from the PMC, the Metro authorities have not made the required openings in road dividers below elevated corridors to allow smooth water flow during rains. The PMC had directed Pune Metro last year to create gaps in the dividers beneath Metro Lines 1 and 2 so that rainwater does not get trapped and cause flooding. These gaps, meant to be around 1 to 1.5 metres wide, were recommended after city engineers found that stormwater drains were buried or blocked in many places during earlier Metro construction.
However, many of these instructions were ignored, leading to waterlogging again this monsoon in areas such as Kothrud, Karve Road, Nal Stop, Garware College, RTO, Pune Station, Ruby Hall Clinic, Bund Garden, Yerawada, and Kalyani Nagar. According to officials from the PMC road department, this is the second year that Metro authorities have failed to act on clear instructions. The issue had already caused major traffic problems during last year’s pre-monsoon showers in places like Sinhagad Road, Market Yard, NDA Road, Aundh, Baner, J M Road, and Koregaon Park.
Now, the stretch between RTO and Mangalwar Peth metro stations has also been added to the list of flood-prone areas by the PMC’s disaster management team. A senior PMC official said, “We had given a clear plan for how the dividers should be punctured. By not acting on this, the Metro has put public safety at risk again.” The civic body says they may now issue a formal letter to the Metro authorities and consider fines if corrective steps are not taken soon. The PMC had earlier fined the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) ₹13.70 lakh for damaging Ganeshkhind Road during Metro construction. Officials said that similar action may be taken against Pune Metro this time.
While the PMC is demanding action, Pune Metro officials are shifting the blame back. A senior Metro official claimed they had completed initial road works and that creating the actual openings in the divider is now the PMC’s responsibility. This blame game between civic bodies is now delaying crucial flood-prevention measures for the city. Experts warn that such confusion and lack of coordination may worsen the situation as the monsoon intensifies. With climate change increasing the unpredictability and intensity of rainfall, timely and planned urban drainage is becoming more critical than ever. Citizens expect their city’s agencies to work together to keep streets safe and navigable.
If such conflicts between departments continue, Pune’s dream of becoming a sustainable and climate-resilient city may remain out of reach.
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