Ferguson College Road Turns Unsafe After Dark? MLA Shirole Urges PMC, Pune Police to Act
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Shivajinagar, 22nd July 2025: MLA Siddharth Shirole has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Police to take immediate action against unauthorized vendors operating late at night on Ferguson College Road. Speaking at a press conference, Shirole expressed serious concerns over the increasing presence of “outsiders” conducting business illegally in the area, raising potential security risks.
“FC Road is a prestigious part of Pune. After 9 PM, people from outside the city set up temporary stalls and sell goods illegally. This poses a serious security concern,” Shirole stated. He emphasized that some of these individuals may have entered the country illegally under the guise of migration from different states and demanded strict enforcement by local authorities.
The press conference was organized to highlight the issues raised by Shirole during the recently concluded monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly.
Updates on Civic Infrastructure
Addressing civic infrastructure, Shirole shared that development of the Shivajinagar bus stand under a public-private partnership model is progressing. “Extending the lease period for investment at this location will be beneficial. Work was delayed during the previous MVA government’s tenure, but efforts are on to resolve the matter quickly,” he said.
On the progress of bridge construction in the city, Shirole informed that the bridge from Raj Bhavan to E-Square at Pune University Chowk will be completed by the end of August. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar are expected to inaugurate the structure.
Similarly, the bridge connecting Baner and Pashan is in its final stages.
He also raised the issue of traffic congestion at Akashvani Chowk due to a metro pole and said discussions are underway to find a practical alternative.
Policy Demands and Suggestions
During the session, Shirole made multiple policy suggestions and raised several demands, including:
- A comprehensive duct policy to eliminate unsafe overhead electric cables in the city.
- Formation of a committee to implement a CCTV policy and ensure proper maintenance in public and school spaces.
- Development of Pune as a medical tourism hub.
- Declaration of Pune as a defence startup and manufacturing center.
- Construction of a concert arena at Gahunje, similar to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
He also advocated for:
- An under-flyover redevelopment policy in urban areas.
- Appointment of a full-time food distribution officer in Pune to prevent ration irregularities.
- Immediate approval for establishing five cyber police stations in response to rising cyber crimes.
- Expanding the state government’s website capacity to reduce delays in accessing online services and academic documents.
- A survey to stop illegal roadblocks on city hills and action against violators.
- Allowing tree branch trimming on private land at subsidized rates by the Municipal Corporation.
Shirole concluded by asserting that constructive discussions during the monsoon session had led to several positive decisions for Pune and its residents.
