Pune MLA Calls for Restoration of Shaniwar Wada to Original Seven-Storey Glory, Raises Key Civic Demands in Assembly

Pune, 16th March 2026: Nearly two centuries after a devastating fire stripped Shaniwar Wada of much of its architectural grandeur, a demand has been raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly to restore the iconic Maratha-era structure to its original seven-storey form.

Hemant Rasane urged the state government to take steps to rebuild the historic monument in its original design, arguing that the landmark deserves to regain the prominence it once held in the cultural and historical identity of Pune.

Speaking in the Assembly while highlighting issues concerning the Kasba constituency, Rasane noted that Shaniwar Wada suffered extensive destruction in the massive fire of 1828, which erased much of its original splendour. He said that while both the central and state governments are taking measures to conserve forts and heritage structures across Maharashtra, similar efforts should be made to restore Shaniwar Wada, one of the region’s most significant historical symbols.

Alongside the restoration proposal, the MLA also pressed for the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for two proposed underground road corridors, one connecting Shaniwar Wada and Swargate, and another linking Saras Baug with Shaniwar Wada. Rasane said that these projects should be expedited so that Pune can develop its first underground road corridor to ease traffic congestion in the city’s core areas.

He further demanded that the state government allocate funds to establish a national memorial for revolutionary freedom fighter Raje Umaji Naik in the Mamledar Kacheri area of Pune.

Rasane also drew attention to the redevelopment challenges faced by residents of several old “wadas” in the Kasba constituency. According to him, certain provisions in the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) are creating obstacles in the redevelopment of these ageing residential structures. He called for amendments to the rules to provide relief to residents living in these historic but deteriorating buildings.

Additionally, the MLA pointed out that several residential buildings in municipal employees’ colonies have become structurally unsafe. He urged the Urban Development Department to urgently initiate redevelopment projects for these housing complexes to ensure the safety of residents.