Merger of Cantonment Boards: Pune, Khadki to Join PMC, Aurangabad to Merge with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation
Mumbai, 10th July 2025: In a landmark decision aimed at improving urban infrastructure and governance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the merger of several cantonment boards with nearby municipal corporations and councils. The move is expected to significantly enhance civic services and developmental activities in these areas.
As per the announcement:
Pune and Khadki cantonments will be merged with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Aurangabad cantonment will be integrated into the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation.
Deolali and Ahmednagar cantonments will be converted into independent municipal councils.
Kamptee cantonment will be merged with the Yerkheda Nagar Panchayat.
Fadnavis made the announcement during a high-level meeting at Vidhan Bhavan, where he emphasized that these mergers would facilitate improved civic amenities and infrastructure development in the cantonment areas. He noted that local residents have long demanded inclusion in municipal jurisdictions for better access to services.
“Each cantonment area has its own unique situation. Accordingly, some will be merged with municipal corporations, while others will see the creation of new municipal councils. This step will bring consistency in governance and allow better fund utilization,” said Fadnavis.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, MLAs Siddharth Shirole, Saroj Ahire, Sangram Jagtap, Sunil Kamble, and senior officials from the Urban Development Department, Ministry of Defence, and district administrations.
Fadnavis also stated that financial, administrative, and service-related aspects such as tax collection, electricity, water supply, and employee transfers will be managed as per guidelines laid down by the Union Ministry of Defence.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar assured that the state government would provide necessary financial assistance for the development of these newly merged areas. He directed the concerned municipal bodies to submit detailed development proposals to the District Planning Committee.
This long-pending decision is part of a larger urban reform agenda and aligns with the central government’s directive to integrate urban cantonments with adjoining civic bodies for improved administrative efficiency and service delivery. The integration is also expected to resolve long-standing issues related to infrastructure gaps and limited access to basic civic services in cantonment zones.
