The Savitribai Phule Memorial at Bhidawada in Pune’s Budhwar Peth has entered its final technology and services phase, with audio-visual installations and holography systems now being developed as part of the ₹35-crore project. Maharashtra Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal inspected the construction on November 14 and reviewed the progress with Pune civic officials.
The memorial is being built to present the lives and contributions of social reformers Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule through a combination of exhibition spaces and digital storytelling. The project occupies a plot measuring approximately 272.57 square metres and has a proposed total built-up area of 1,114.55 square metres.
According to the project details reviewed during the inspection, major civil works have been completed. These include reinforced cement concrete work, steel structures, brickwork and internal and external plastering. The false-ceiling framework and fire-safety system have also been completed, while electrical installations and the audio-visual and holography components remain in progress.
The memorial’s domes are planned to host theme-based audio-visual shows depicting the biographies of Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. Holographic technology will be used to recreate selected aspects of their social and educational contributions. Documentaries and other visual presentations based on their lives will also form part of the visitor experience.
The project is designed to function beyond a memorial space. Its planned public-oriented facilities include a skill-development centre for girls and women, a library, a guidance centre, a computer centre and an amphitheatre. These components place the project within Pune’s wider network of civic, educational and community facilities, rather than limiting it to a commemorative structure.
The memorial has received the necessary administrative approvals, according to the project information. A technical expert committee has been appointed to oversee the audio-visual and holography systems, which are being developed separately from the completed structural and finishing works.
The inspection was attended by Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar, Superintendent Engineer of the Building Department Bipin Shinde, Deputy Commissioner Avinash Sankpal and officials and staff from the departments involved in the project. Further work will focus on completing the electrical installations and technology systems before the memorial’s facilities can be made operational.
