Pune's Mula-Mutha Riverfront to Welcome Public from February 15 with Timed Access
In a significant development for Pune's urban landscape, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced that a 1.5-kilometer stretch of the Mula-Mutha riverfront will be opened to the public on February 15, coinciding with the civic body's foundation day. This marks the first operational section of the ambitious 44.4-kilometer Riverfront Development (RFD) project, promising residents new spaces for recreation and physical activity along the city's waterways.
Access Hours and Initial Section Details
The newly developed riverfront segment, located between Sangamwadi and Bund Garden, will be accessible to Pune residents during specific time slots: from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the morning and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. During these hours, citizens can enjoy:
- Morning walks and jogging along the riverbank
- Cycling on designated pathways
- Recreational activities in the open spaces
- Access to nature while engaging in daily exercise routines
According to Prashant Waghmare, City Engineer of PMC, "90 percent of the work on the 3.7-kilometer Sangamwadi to Bund Garden stretch has been completed, with the 1.5-kilometer section fully ready for public use." The civic administration has prioritized this initial opening to provide immediate benefits to residents while continuing work on the broader project.
Project Phases and Upcoming Developments
The PMC has strategically divided the massive RFD project into multiple phases to ensure systematic implementation:
- Phase 1: 3.7-kilometer stretch from Sangamwadi to Bund Garden (partially opening February 15)
- Phase 2: 5.5-kilometer stretch from Bund Garden to Mundhwa
- Phase 3: 8.1-kilometer stretch from Aundh to Balewadi
Waghmare further revealed that the PMC is working diligently to complete the 5-kilometer stretch from Sangamwadi to Kalyani Nagar by the end of March this year. The administration also plans to undertake a comprehensive tree-plantation drive in the developed areas, involving newly elected corporators to enhance the green cover along the riverfront.
Comprehensive Riverfront Development Vision
The Rs 4,727-crore RFD project, inspired by Ahmedabad's Sabarmati riverfront development, represents one of Pune's most ambitious urban infrastructure initiatives. The project encompasses:
- 44 kilometers of riverfront development with 22 kilometers on each bank
- Extension through Pimpri Chinchwad municipal areas
- 91 kilometers of embankments to protect low-lying areas from flooding
- 247 hectares of green embankments with extensive landscaping
- Four proposed barrages including preservation of Bund Garden barrage
The development promises to transform the riverfront with theme parks, public amenities on 23 hectares of land, 249 staircases, 19 ramps, and 74 refurbished ghats for public access. Additionally, the project includes parks and gardens on 50 hectares and enhancements to facilitate water sports and boating activities.
Environmental Considerations and Legal Journey
The RFD project has navigated significant environmental concerns and legal challenges since its announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2022. Environmental groups raised alarms about potential ecological damage and increased flood risks during monsoon seasons, leading to cases before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.
The courts directed the government to obtain necessary environmental clearances and adhere to expert committee guidelines. The PMC maintains that the project will actually enhance the rivers' water-carrying capacity and provide complete flood protection for adjacent localities, addressing some of the environmental concerns raised by activists.
Originally planned by Ahmedabad-based HPC Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs 4,700 crore, the project covers 22.2 kilometers of Mula river, 10.4 kilometers of Mutha river, and 11.8 kilometers of Mula-Mutha rivers. The implementation has been divided into eleven stretches for better management and execution.
As Pune prepares to welcome this new urban amenity, the February 15 opening represents just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative development for the city's relationship with its rivers, offering residents unprecedented access to recreational spaces while addressing long-standing environmental and flood management concerns.
