Pimpri Chinchwad: PCMC Faces Criticism Over Rs 20 Crore Beautification Budget for Delayed Mula River Bridge

Pimpri Chinchwad, 13th September 2024: A bridge is being constructed over the Mula River, connecting Sangvi to Bopodi, by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The project has been in its final stages for several days, with more than Rs 32 crore already spent. An additional Rs 20 crore is now being allocated for the bridge’s beautification. PCMC officials claim that this beautification is being carried out under the instructions of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In total, Rs 32.36 crore has been spent on the bridge, with T and T Infra Limited handling the construction. This has drawn yet another criticism from people towards PCMC.

The original work term was set for two years, but due to delays in acquiring the site of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Bopodi, the contractor’s deadline was extended to 31st August. Although more than two weeks have passed since September began, the bridge remains unfinished and has not yet opened. In the meantime, a new tender process has been initiated for the bridge’s beautification, with Rs 19.63 crore earmarked for this alone. This expenditure was approved by PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh.

The bridge is crucial as it connects Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. Former mayors and corporators have actively followed up with PCMC regarding the beautification, which led to the creation of a concept and preliminary design. A presentation was made to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on 25th August, and the plan was revised to include his suggestions. The bridge will be beautified accordingly.

However, all roads leading to the new bridge in Sangvi—such as Mamta Nagar, Datta Ashram, Priyadarshini Nagar, Pawana Nagar, and Mula Nagar—are narrow. This is expected to create significant traffic congestion, especially with the increased flow of vehicles between Pune city and Sangvi.