The Maharashtra government, through the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), has allocated Rs 4,503 crore for the financial year 2025-26 to improve the city’s infrastructure, urban mobility, and connectivity issues.
Key decisions regarding road connectivity to the new greenfield airport at Purandar, the Twin Tunnel project, and CNG buses for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) were taken during a PMRDA review meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, held in Mumbai on February 12.
The government has sanctioned Rs 636.84 crore for chalking out the road connectivity, as part of finalising the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the new airport by September and making it operational by 2029. The proposed connectivity to the airport will be via Pune Ring Road, Pune-Satara Road, and Pune-Nagar Road.
CM Fadnavis said, “Authorities should submit a proposal for the Twin Tunnel project from Yerwada to Katraj immediately and ensure seamless connectivity to Purandar airport via Pune-Satara Road and Ahmednagar Highway.”
As part of giving a push to the industrial and infrastructure sectors, Rs 203 crore has been sanctioned for laying cement roads in Ranjangaon and Hinjewadi industrial areas, while Rs 1,526 crore has been allocated for the ‘Urban Growth Center’ project.
While PMPML has announced plans to introduce around 1,600 buses this year, the demand for 500 new CNG buses was also discussed during the meeting. Previously, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had announced an allocation of Rs 500 crore to purchase 1,000 CNG buses, with Rs 250 crore from PMRDA and Rs 250 crore from both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations.
Other key discussions included modernising PMRDA’s website to enhance online services and ensure affordable development charges for the public.
Story continues below this ad
Additionally, a decision was taken to make land on the Pune Raj Bhavan premises available for Metro flyover services.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Ministers Chandrakant Dada Patil, Sanjay Shirsat, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, and senior government officers.