Pune: PMC gives conditional NOC to PMRDA to demolish SPPU flyover

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has given conditional 'No-Objection-Certificate' (NOC) to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to demolish the bridge in Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) junction and another one in front of the E-Square multiplex on Ganeshkhind Road.

PMC has made it clear in its NOC that, "PMRDA will bear all the expense of demolishing the two bridges, removing all the debris, repair works on the road and construction of the new two-tier flyover and metro line at the site." PMRDA has accepted this NOC and said that work will begin soon.

The PMRDA has undertaken the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro route project work. The total estimated cost of this project is Rs 274 crore. This metro will be passing through the Ganeshkhind road. The existing flyovers at Pune University junction and infront of ESquare multiplex were proving to be an obstruction for this metro line. It was thus proposed that the two flyovers be demolished and a two-tier flyover be constructed along the metro line. The PMRDA had sent a proposal regarding the same to the urban development ministry of state government for approval. The government had then clarified that the PMRDA and PMC should bear the total cost of the project on 50:50 formula basis.

The ownership of two existing flyovers is with PMC and hence their NOC was required to demolish the bridges. PMRDA then sent a proposal to PMC to grant NOC so that the two flyovers can be demolished during the lockdown period. However, PMC had cited shortage of funds and asked the PMRDA to bear all the expenses related to the demolition of the bridges.

PMRDA's proposal was put up before the standing committee of PMC in which the committee members refused to pay 50 per cent of the new flyover construction and existing flyover demolition cost. The PMC has offered that they will make land available to the PMRDA for the project instead of the cost to be shared. It has also put certain conditions that the PMRDA will remove all the debris and repair roads after the demolition work is done. PMC has also stated that PMRDA will get the new flyover plan approved from it before starting the construction work.

After the standing committee approved the NOC, the general body of PMC needed to approve it. But due to COVID-19 outbreak, the general body meetings of PMC are not taking place. So the PMC has taken signatures of all party leaders and issued the NOC to PMRDA. PMC has also put a condition that in future whenever the general body meeting takes place and takes a decision on this issue, it will be binding on the PMRDA.

Vikram Kumar, Commissioner of PMRDA said, "PMC has given their NOC to demolish the SPPU flyover. The metro project work has been given to Tata-Siemens company and they will be informed about the NOC through an official letter after which further action will be initiated."