Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially signalled the commencement of the electoral campaign for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Monday. He did so by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for a slew of major development projects with a combined worth of a staggering Rs 3,000 crore.
Massive Infrastructure Push Ahead of Civic Polls
In a significant pre-poll announcement, the Chief Minister personally inaugurated nine completed projects and set the foundation for 14 new infrastructure works within the PMC limits. This massive financial infusion is seen as a key move to connect with voters and highlight the state government's commitment to Pune's development. The event served as a de facto launchpad for the ruling party's campaign for the upcoming civic body elections.
Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis emphasized Pune's critical importance to Maharashtra's economy. "Maharashtra is the only state with two metro cities, Mumbai and Pune, and Pune is the state's growth engine," he stated. Looking to the future, he added, "At a time when data is driving economies globally, Maharashtra will be India's data centre, and Pune can become the GCC (Global Capability Centre) hub."
Addressing Pune's Chronic Traffic Woes
The Chief Minister openly acknowledged the severe and persistent traffic congestion plaguing the city. He assured citizens that the state government is dedicated to improving their ease of living. "The biggest issue Pune's residents face is mobility. The city requires state intervention to address its traffic issue, and we have prepared a comprehensive mobility plan," Fadnavis declared, promising a structured approach to solving the transport nightmare.
Deputy Chief Minister and Pune's guardian minister, Ajit Pawar, also spoke at the same event, making pointed remarks about infrastructure planning. He suggested that engineers sometimes lack practical wisdom in designing flyovers, leaving politicians to face public anger for the inconveniences caused. Citing the example of the demolished flyover at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) junction, which is being rebuilt to accommodate the Metro line, Pawar said, "When the flyover was razed, people criticised us. But in reality, the engineers did not use their wisdom during the planning. Now, two flyovers on Hadapsar road will also have to be razed."
Statue Unveilings and Water Project Pledge
Earlier on Monday, before the Pune event, Chief Minister Fadnavis was in western Maharashtra for ceremonial duties. He unveiled statues of the revered Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Ichalkaranji and the iconic queen Ahilyabai Holkar in Sangli.
During his visit to Ichalkaranji, a major textile town, Fadnavis addressed a pressing local issue. He pledged to resolve the long-pending water supply project for the town. Currently, Ichalkaranji receives water from the heavily polluted Panchganga river. Residents have been demanding a switch to a supply from the Dudhganga river via the proposed Sulkud pipeline project, a plan that has faced opposition from local farmers. The CM's assurance brings a new hope of resolution to this critical civic problem.
