Pune: PCMC to Build Artificial Climbing Wall in Pimple Saudagar, Grants 20-Year Operation to Private Body

Pimple Saudagar, 5th April 2025: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is constructing an artificial climbing wall at Yoga Park in Pimple Saudagar at an estimated cost of ₹5 crore. The wall’s operation and maintenance have been handed over to a private organization free of charge for 20 years, which will be responsible for conducting training, competitions, and other climbing-related activities.

In connection with this development, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh recently held a meeting with Kirthi Pais, Secretary of the Sports Climbing Federation of India. Following the discussions, the Maharashtra Sports Climbing Association submitted a proposal to manage the facility, which has since been approved by the Standing Committee.

According to the agreement, the designated organization will:
Appoint trainers to provide sport climbing instruction.
Cover expenses related to the electricity supply for the auditorium, store room, toilets, bathrooms, drinking water system, yard, and waiting room.
Provide free training to at least 50 and up to 80 students from municipal schools.
Promote the sport locally and conduct awareness activities.
Organize national and international climbing competitions.

The PCMC will continue to bear the cost of electricity for floodlights and lamp posts around the wall, as well as water supply and security for the climbing zone. If any additional infrastructure is required, the civic body will develop it. The municipality will also allocate funds for organizing national and international events at the site.

Previous Wall at Nehrunagar Lies in Disuse
This is not PCMC’s first attempt at promoting sport climbing. An artificial climbing wall was earlier built at Annasaheb Magar Stadium in Nehrunagar, with material procured at a cost of several crores. Although a few competitions were held initially, the facility was abandoned within a few years and remains unused.