PMC Slaps Rs 13.7 Lakh Fine on PMRDA for Damaging Infrastructure During Metro and Flyover Construction
Pune: Amid the ongoing metro and flyover construction on Ganeshkhind Road, a significant traffic problem has surfaced due to potholes and infrastructure damage, prompting the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to impose a hefty fine on the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The PMC has demanded Rs. 13.7 lakh in compensation for the damages caused by heavy cranes used during the construction work.
Construction Chaos on Ganeshkhind Road
The PMRDA is currently working on the Shivajinagar to Hinjewadi metro line along Ganeshkhind Road. Concurrently, a double-decker flyover is under construction at Acharya Anandrishiji Maharaj Chowk (Pune Vidyapeeth Chowk). To alleviate traffic congestion on this busy thoroughfare, the PMC has undertaken the task of widening the road to 45 meters. This widening work is ongoing between Nanavati Bungalow and the RBI’s College of Agriculture Banking on both sides of the road.
Inspection Reveals Severe Damage
During a recent inspection by PMC’s road department officials, it was discovered that the PMRDA had used heavy cranes to place flyover girders. These cranes were transported and parked on the footpaths, resulting in extensive damage to various infrastructure elements. The affected areas include footpaths, cable ducts, DWC pipes, carriageways, and boundary walls at locations such as ABIL House, Anand Mohite’s property, Ujjwal Mohite’s property, and NH Dhaba. In some spots, the footpath was entirely blocked by cranes, and the sub-base of the road near NH Dhaba was damaged due to soil being dumped over the newly constructed WMM.
Public Outcry and Administrative Response
Citizens have criticised the PMC for the deteriorating condition of Ganeshkhind Road, particularly due to the presence of potholes. Although the PMRDA is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the road during the flyover construction, the municipal corporation has faced public ire for the poor state of the infrastructure. To address these concerns, the PMC conducted a thorough inspection and identified substantial losses caused by the PMRDA’s activities.
The PMC’s inspection revealed the following specific damages:
Border wall: Rs. 13,236
Footpath: Rs. 2,75,991
NH Dhaba Culvert: Rs. 80,700
ABIL House: Rs. 75,038
Anand Mohite property: Rs. 12,000
The total estimated loss amounted to Rs. 4,56,965. However, the PMC decided to impose a threefold penalty on the PMRDA, raising the compensation demand to Rs. 13.7 lakh.
Legal Notice and Deadline
The PMC has issued a formal notice to the company working on behalf of the PMRDA on Ganeshkhind Road. The notice questions why a legal case should not be filed against them for damaging municipal property and neglecting the maintenance of the road, particularly the potholes. Aniruddha Pavaskar, the Chief of the Road Department, has mandated that the company respond to the notice within three days.
