Pune’s 34 Newly Included Villages Struggle for Infrastructure Amid Bureaucratic Delays
Pune’s expansion to include 34 villages within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was intended to bridge the gap between urban and peri-urban areas. However, nearly half a decade after the inclusion, these newly added villages remain stuck in stagnation, unable to access the infrastructure development they were promised. With an estimated ₹10,000 crore required to upgrade essential services such as roads, water supply, and drainage systems, the lack of progress has become a serious concern for residents.
The delay can be traced to a meeting held in June 2024, where it was decided that PMC would request ₹10,000 crore from the state government to fund these critical projects. However, months have passed without any formal proposal being submitted. Officials have pointed to the Lok Sabha and Assembly election codes of conduct as the reason for the inaction, but critics argue that administrative inefficiency is the true culprit. The lack of substantial progress has left residents grappling with deteriorating infrastructure and essential services that are either inadequate or nonexistent. Pune first included 11 villages in 2017, followed by 23 more in 2021. With each expansion, PMC raised funding requests for development — ₹2,000 crore for the 2017 inclusion and ₹6,000 crore in 2021 — but the state government has yet to provide any financial support. PMC’s own budget allocations have been a drop in the ocean, with only ₹3-4 crore per village being allocated between 2022-23 and 2024-25. Even then, these funds have largely remained unspent, leading to growing frustration among residents.
The lack of basic infrastructure is palpable. Residents are dealing with poorly maintained roads that hinder mobility, water shortages that exacerbate daily hardships, and inadequate drainage systems that lead to frequent flooding. Health services are also lacking, forcing people to travel long distances for even the most basic medical care. These issues highlight the disparity between urban and peri-urban areas in Pune, with the newly included villages suffering due to bureaucratic delays and ineffective governance.
To address this crisis, PMC must expedite the proposal process for the ₹10,000 crore funding, ensuring that the funds allocated each year are utilized effectively, rather than diverted to other wards. Public-private partnerships should be explored to speed up infrastructure development, and accountability mechanisms must be put in place to track progress. Furthermore, engaging local residents in the planning process can help address their most pressing needs. The inclusion of these villages was intended to promote equitable growth and integration. However, without immediate action, the development promises will remain unfulfilled, and the vision of a well-developed Pune will remain elusive. Addressing these infrastructure gaps is crucial not only for the quality of life of the residents but also for the city’s overall growth, including its potential to attract tourism and investment in the future.
The PMC’s slow response has aggravated the situation, and it has become clear that bureaucratic delays are contributing to the stagnation. Infrastructure projects in the newly included villages remain on paper, with insufficient funds allocated each year, and those funds being poorly utilized. This has created a feeling of abandonment among the residents of these areas, who have been waiting for essential services that would improve their quality of life. The road network, water supply, and drainage systems remain in a dire state, making daily life difficult.
The newly included villages in Pune were expected to experience equal development, bringing much-needed infrastructure to the peri-urban areas. Yet, the prolonged neglect has made it clear that the expansion plans are incomplete without proper funding and efficient execution. Addressing these infrastructure deficiencies is paramount for the city’s overall growth. The expansion was intended to promote inclusive development, but the unaddressed infrastructure gaps hinder the potential for long-term growth in the region. Improved infrastructure is necessary for the development of these villages and for attracting investments in the future. To ensure these villages are integrated into the urban fabric, immediate action needs to be taken. Expedited funding proposals and an emphasis on transparency and accountability in project implementation are critical steps forward. Additionally, public-private partnerships can help speed up the process, ensuring that the promised development becomes a reality. Without these interventions, Pune’s vision for inclusive growth may remain just that—a vision, rather than a reality.
