Pune University Gym Reopens After Month-Long Closure Due to Tender Delay

Reported by Kajal Bhukan
Pune, 22nd May 2025: The gymnasium at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has finally reopened after being shut for over a month due to delays in renewing the contractor’s tender. The prolonged closure had caused significant inconvenience to students and staff who regularly use the facility at SET Bhavan.

The gym remained inaccessible after the expiry of a one-year contract between the university and the contractor. While the contract was earlier extended twice—first by six months and then by three months—the failure to finalize a new tender led to an indefinite closure.

“The gym was closed for nearly one and a half months, and the university took no action. This delay affected students’ physical and mental well-being,” said Shiva Borale, a student leader from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). “We met with the Vice Chancellor, who assured us the gym would reopen. A three-month extension has now been granted to the same contractor, but it’s only a temporary fix.”

Frustrated by the continued inaction, several student unions and Senate members had threatened to protest, pressuring Vice Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi to approve the interim arrangement.

Aadesh Lamkhade, a student from the PUMBA department, said, “I’ve been using the gym for one to two years. The fees are very affordable—just ₹100 to ₹200. The gym should stay open continuously for students.”
Despite the reopening, students are demanding a long-term solution to prevent further disruptions. The tendering process remains incomplete, and many fear the gym could close again once the temporary contract expires.
Attempts to reach the SPPU Public Relations Officer (PRO) for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.