Pune: Design-Centric Urban Planning Key to Future, Experts Discuss at VK Group Event
Pune, 22nd February 2025: With Pune’s rapid urban expansion, the role of design in city planning has become more crucial than ever, said Madhuri Misal, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Urban Development. She assured that the state government would support efforts aimed at enhancing urban design and planning to accommodate the city’s growth while maintaining its heritage.
Misal was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘VCollective – Building the City We Call Home’ exhibition, organized by VK Group to commemorate 51 years of contributions to architecture, town planning, and sustainable urban development. The event, held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center, witnessed participation from key figures in real estate, architecture, and city planning, including MLA Siddharth Shirole, VK Group founder Vishwas Kulkarni, Managing
Director Hrishikesh Kulkarni, and prominent urban planners.
Urban Growth Must Be Balanced with Thoughtful Planning
Addressing the gathering, Misal emphasized that Pune’s expansion should not come at the cost of haphazard urban development. “As our city continues to grow, issues such as traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and unstructured construction are emerging. Urban design, zoning regulations, and proper planning must be at the forefront of development initiatives. Dividing the city into organized clusters could be an effective strategy to preserve Pune’s aesthetic
and functional integrity,” she stated.
Misal also acknowledged VK Group’s sustained efforts in architectural innovation and eco-friendly urban solutions, highlighting its five decades of excellence in real estate and design.
Experts Call for Smarter Urban Development
During the event, industry leaders and experts were recognized for their contributions to Pune’s urban landscape. Honorees included:
Pratik Magar (Magarpatta City Corporation)
Pramod Rawat (President, Deccan Education Society)
Saurabh Gadgil (MD, PNG Jewellers)
Mukund Sangoram (Director, Sawai Gandharva Festival)
Ravi Pandit (KPIT Cummins)
A panel discussion on ‘Building the City of Tomorrow’ was also conducted, featuring insights from real estate developers, architects, and industry professionals. Experts like Ranjit Naiknavare (CREDAI President), Vikas Achalkar (IIA Pune Chairman), and Rishikesh Kulkarni (MD, VK Group) shared strategies for sustainable urban growth and the importance of design-driven city planning.
The discussion highlighted concerns regarding uncontrolled Floor Space Index (FSI) allocation, which some experts believe has eroded Pune’s original charm and compact structure. They called for more balanced growth policies to prevent unstructured expansion and retain the city’s planned aesthetics.
Pune’s Future Hinges on Strategic Urban Design
The ‘VCollective’ exhibition, featuring VK Group’s most iconic projects over the past 50 years, offers a glimpse into the future of urban architecture. The event aims to promote awareness about thoughtful city planning and encourage innovative solutions for Pune’s urban challenges.
The session was introduced by Vijay Sane, with event moderation by Minal Patil and honorary citations read by Apoorva Kulkarni.
