The Pune Metro Region is one of the largest agglomerates in the country. It has tremendous potential for industrial, urban, as well as educational growth, says Kiran Gitte, Metropolitan Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).
What are the latest initiatives undertaken by PMRDA towards the development of the city in recent few years?
PMRDA has taken up some key infrastructural projects such as the 128 km Ring-Road, a 23 km long Metro line, and 20 town planning schemes to help develop PMR (Pune Metro Line) as an investment hub. PMRDA has also been working on a development plan with the Singapore Government which will set the roadmap for the next 30 to 40 years.
How PMRDA is making the most of available Information Technology and e-governance to communicate with the citizens and other stakeholders?
PMRDA has constantly been using online tools and platforms to communicate with the citizens and improve processes. This includes the social media handles of PMRDA on Facebook and Twitter which is used for communication and the website which has all information a citizen could want. Recently, PMRDA also unveiled a complete online building permission approval system which utilises state-of-the-art technology. We use the MyGov portal for constant suggestions and feedback from the citizens, just like what we did for publishing the DPR.
Why do you think Pune Metropolitan Region will be a lucrative investment destination for domestic and international investors?
Pune has a serious advantage in terms of its proximity to Mumbai and the greenfield area available here. It has already established itself as an IT Hub, Auto Hub, and Education Hub. The talent pool in the PMR, along with upcoming infrastructure projects, would only boost the growth of this area. If provided with ready infrastructure, Pune will be the second to none for international and domestic investments.
Please brief us on the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Singapore to draft detailed land use and concept Plans for PMRDA. What is the significance of this MoU?
The Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra in his visit to Singapore in November, 2017 was impressed with the way the country has progressed. Singing an MoU with the Government of Singapore meant harnessing their prowess in development and empowers the PMR development for the next 40 years. The MoU also included the setting-up of an inland logistics park in Pune and the development of a Central Business District. The potential of PMR in the coming years and the upward trend of the population, planned layouts and infrastructure is a necessity and something we need to take action on right away, which is where this MoU comes in.
How do you view the possible merger of PMRDA with Pimpri Chinchwad New Township Development Authority (PCNTDA)?
Will the move be beneficial to boost the development in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad? The merger is a State-level issue and we believe the Government will take appropriate steps which would benefit the citizens. How do you view the work on Metro Rail Project and the construction of the Ring Road? The requirement for a ring-road and a metro in Pune was made very long back. The 128 KM long ring-road project would be important to develop the periphery of the city and the metro line III is a necessity to decongest the Hinjawadi IT Park and its proximity.
With the ring-road, connectivity to areas like Solapur, Satara, and others mean nobody would have to enter the city unless necessary. Which organisations are working with PMRDA on these projects?
PMRDA has many consultants appointed to assist in its efforts of developing PMR. The consultants include Deloitte, L&T Infra, MARS, Monarch Surveyors, and many more. PMRDA recently proposed 0.5 TMC water supply project for Wagholi. Kindly update us on this project further. We are working to solve immediate issues of drinking water and improving the traffic situation in Wagholi. The results would be visible in a few months.
Is there any plan for developing Special Economic Zones (SEZ) or Residential Zone in the region by PMRDA?
There is no plan for developing a SEZ or a Residential zone at the moment but we will wait for the Development Plan to be prepared, which is under process with the Government of Singapore.
Would you like to share anything else about PMRDA?
The Pune Metro Region is one of the largest agglomerates in the country. It has tremendous potential for industrial, urban, as well as for educational growth. PMRDA is striving to fulfill its responsibilities successfully.