Pune: PMC Extends Construction Timings to 7 AM–9 PM, Balancing Builder Needs and Pollution Concerns

Pune, 26th March 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation has extended permissible construction hours across the city, allowing work from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, in a move aimed at easing operational constraints for developers while continuing to address environmental concerns.

The revised order was issued by City Engineer Aniruddha Pavaskar, replacing the earlier schedule that restricted construction activity between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.

The decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns over air and noise pollution linked to large-scale construction and excavation projects in Pune. Residents have repeatedly raised complaints about dust levels and disturbances, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, prompting the civic body to introduce tighter regulations in recent weeks.

In response to these concerns, the corporation had earlier imposed stricter time limits and warned of action against violations. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had also directed the civic administration to enforce pollution control measures, leading to notices and temporary suspension of projects found flouting environmental norms.

However, developers and contractors flagged challenges arising from the reduced working window, citing tight project deadlines, contractual commitments, and logistical issues—especially in transporting heavy construction materials within limited hours.

Taking these factors into consideration, the civic administration has now relaxed the timing restrictions. Officials clarified that while the extension offers greater flexibility to the construction sector, enforcement of pollution control norms will remain stringent.

Authorities said the revised schedule is intended to strike a balance between facilitating infrastructure development and safeguarding environmental and public health standards in the fast-growing city.