Pune Legislators Intensify Demands for Major District Projects Before Budget Session
As the Maharashtra assembly prepares for its budget session commencing next week, legislators from Pune district have intensified their push for substantial financial allocations toward critical infrastructure and development initiatives. During a recent virtual interaction with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) meeting, MLAs presented a comprehensive list of priorities aimed at transforming the region's connectivity and facilities.
Key Infrastructure Projects Take Center Stage
The proposed international airport at Purandar emerged as a primary focus, with MLAs emphasizing its potential to significantly boost regional connectivity and economic growth. They argued that dedicated funding is essential to accelerate this long-pending project, which would serve as a major aviation hub for western Maharashtra.
Simultaneously, legislators pressed for enhanced facilities around the revered Bhimashankar temple complex, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela pilgrimage. The redevelopment plan includes improved amenities, better access roads, and upgraded infrastructure to accommodate the expected influx of devotees.
Transportation and Connectivity Upgrades
Beyond these flagship projects, MLAs highlighted several inter-city connectivity initiatives that require immediate attention:
- The comprehensive Pune ring road project to decongest city traffic
- The proposed high-speed rail corridor connecting Pune and Nashik
- Substantial improvements to Pune's internal road network
- Scaling up of the international Pune Grand Tour cycling event
These transportation upgrades are viewed as crucial for addressing the growing mobility challenges in one of Maharashtra's most rapidly developing regions.
Fiscal Constraints and Competing Priorities
Despite the ambitious project list, several MLAs expressed concerns about the government's limited financial flexibility. With Chief Minister Fadnavis scheduled to present the state budget on March 6, legislators acknowledged that flagship welfare schemes like the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana might take precedence over new infrastructure initiatives.
"Given the current fiscal constraints, the budget is unlikely to introduce major new big-ticket schemes," one MLA revealed during discussions. Senior officials echoed these concerns, noting the dilemma between funding welfare programs and maintaining momentum on major development projects.
Previous Budget Allocations and Ongoing Projects
The discussion referenced former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's budget speech from the previous year, which had outlined substantial infrastructure investments for Pune district:
- Expansion of Pune Metro Phase II with an allocation of ₹9,897 crore for the Khadakwasla–Swargate–Hadapsar–Kharadi and Nal Stop–Warje–Manikbagh corridors
- A 54-kilometer elevated Pune–Shirur road project estimated at ₹7,514 crore
- The missing link project on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, scheduled to open on May 1
- Renovation of sports facilities at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex
- Establishment of 18 new courts in Paud, Indapur and Junnar
Under cultural and urban development initiatives, last year's budget had earmarked ₹50 crore to expedite completion of the Shivshrushti project in Ambegaon and renovate the Vastaad Lahuji Salve memorial. Additionally, a significant ₹8,200 crore sewage treatment project was announced to ensure water sustainability for industrial and agricultural needs.
As the budget session approaches, Pune district legislators remain hopeful that their persistent advocacy will translate into concrete allocations for projects that promise to reshape the region's infrastructure landscape and address long-standing development needs.
