Pune: PMRDA Gears Up to Tackle Traffic, Waste Management, and Illegal Encroachments in 2025
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 11th January 2025: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), overseeing 233 villages designated as urban growth centers, is set to implement transformative initiatives under the leadership of Commissioner Yogesh Mhase. Having taken office four months ago, Mhase shared his priorities for 2025 in an exclusive interaction with Punekar News, focusing on traffic decongestion, sustainable urban development, and enhanced public amenities.
Addressing Pune’s Traffic Challenges
Traffic management is at the forefront of PMRDA’s agenda for the year. Mhase announced plans to reduce congestion by redirecting unnecessary vehicular movement outside Pune’s core areas.
“We are working on creating arterial roads and addressing ‘missing links’ to help vehicles bypass major traffic junctions. L&T had earlier proposed a comprehensive mobility plan, and we’ve identified 22 critical missing links, including areas near Chakan, to ease traffic flow,” Mhase explained.
These efforts align with directives from Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to ensure seamless industrial connectivity. “Our aim is to allow vehicles passing through Pune to avoid entering the city entirely,” he added.
Strengthening Urban Development
PMRDA is working on two fronts to support sustainable urban growth:
1. Streamlining Legal Processes: The authority is expediting approvals for construction projects to promote planned development.
2. Combating Illegal Encroachments: Over the past two months, PMRDA has actively removed unauthorized hoardings and illegal constructions, particularly near roads and in villages, ensuring compliance with urban planning norms.
Focus on Basic Amenities
Enhancing basic infrastructure across the PMRDA region is another key priority.
• Water and Waste Management:
PMRDA plans to establish solid and liquid waste management facilities in all 233 villages of Urban Growth Center region. Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) will be constructed to prevent untreated drainage from entering rivers, and solid waste management facilities, including dumping grounds, are planned for urban growth centers.
“We have received administrative approval for these plans and are deploying a consultant to initiate action. Tenders for solid waste management facilities will be floated this year, with work commencing soon after,” Mhase confirmed.
• Technology Integration:
To enhance efficiency and simplify processes, PMRDA is adopting E-office systems and advanced technology for service delivery and project management.
Road Development as per Development Plan (DP)
In a bid to improve connectivity, PMRDA is aligning road development projects with the approved Development Plan (DP). This is expected to benefit both industrial hubs and residential areas, fostering balanced regional growth.
