Pune: After Mumbai Metro Tragedy, Pune MLA Seeks Urgent Safety Audit of Key Projects
Pune, 16th February 2026: A fatal slab collapse at a Mumbai Metro construction site has triggered safety concerns in Pune, with Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole demanding an immediate structural review of major infrastructure projects underway in the city.
Formal Letter to PMRDA Commissioner
In a letter dated February 16, 2026, Shirole urged the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to undertake a comprehensive safety and structural audit of two key projects — the multi-level University flyover and the Shivajinagar–Hinjawadi Metro Line 3 corridor.
Tagging the issue on social media platform X, the BJP legislator stated that “public safety cannot be compromised,” and confirmed that he had written to PMRDA Commissioner Yogesh Mhase seeking urgent intervention.
Shirole called for a detailed inspection of project stretches near Savitribai Phule Pune University and adjoining corridors, with a focus on accident-prone zones, design vulnerabilities and compliance with approved engineering standards.
Focus on On-Site Safety Risks
The MLA highlighted concerns about unsafe construction practices, including:
Loosely secured building materials
Exposed structural components
Improperly stored equipment
Overhead elements that could potentially fall
He stressed that such hazards must be identified and rectified without delay to prevent accidents involving pedestrians and motorists.
Scrutiny of Temporary Structures
Shirole also sought a review of temporary construction arrangements such as scaffolding, barricading, overhead fixtures and material storage systems to ensure adherence to prescribed safety norms.
In addition, he directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and other local authorities to clear debris, remove unused construction materials and seal barricading gaps to ensure roads remain safe for daily commuters.
Development Must Not Come at the Cost of Safety
While reiterating that infrastructure expansion is essential for Pune’s long-term growth, Shirole asserted that safety standards must not be diluted under any circumstances. He stated that he would continue to monitor the situation closely until corrective measures are visibly implemented.
The demand for a safety audit comes amid heightened scrutiny of construction practices following the recent Mumbai Metro tragedy, reinforcing calls for stricter oversight across large-scale public works projects.
