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The municipal corporations of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad have proposed to keep property taxes unchanged for the financial year 2025-26, bringing some relief to residents. While the proposal has already been approved by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is yet to give its approval. Both cities have been governed by municipal commissioners in the absence of elected representatives due to delayed elections. Despite the proposal, concerns about the quality of services remain among citizens.Read more
The Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad metro network will expand with a budget allocation of INR 838.96 crore for FY 2025-26. Maha Metro will prioritize the PCMC-Nigdi and Swargate-Katraj extensions, ensuring financial stability for ongoing projects. While Phase 1 is operational, pending infrastructure work at Khadki and Range Hills stations continues. Metro ridership reached 160,000 daily commuters in January. Additionally, INR 230 crore has been allocated for Mula-Mutha river pollution abatement, with funds supporting Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). These initiatives will enhance urban transit, last-mile connectivity, and sustainability, ensuring Pune's continued infrastructural growth.Read more
The Mumbai-Pune "missing link" project, expected to complete by August 2025, is aimed at improving the Mumbai-Pune Expressway by reducing the distance between the two cities and cutting travel time by 30 minutes. The project, costing INR 6,600 crore, has faced multiple delays due to engineering challenges and the difficult terrain. Key components like tunnels and viaducts are in place, with ongoing work on the second viaduct. The project is designed to enhance safety and reduce accidents, particularly in the hazardous ghat section, while also addressing seasonal disruptions caused by falling debris.Read more
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated an auction of 46 properties to recover INR 11 crore in unpaid property taxes. Despite announcing a similar auction last year for 50 properties, only two were sold as most defaulters settled their dues at the last moment. The PMC has already seized properties where no legal disputes exist and has begun the auctioning process. PMC follows a structured approach, sealing properties and imposing a penalty of 2% per month on unpaid taxes. Successful bidders must pay an initial 20% of the bid amount within two days and the remainder within 15 days, though owners can reclaim their properties if dues and auction expenses are cleared within the same period.Read more
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has fined 221 construction sites INR 31.4 lakh for breaching pollution control norms over the past six weeks. As part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), PCMC aims to curb rising pollution, particularly in areas like Punawale, Tathawade, and Moshi, where AQI levels have reached unhealthy levels. Two firms received stop-work orders for repeated violations. PCMC is considering increasing fines from INR 10 to INR 100 per sq. meter to enhance compliance. A dedicated monitoring team has been formed, reinforcing efforts to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability in the rapidly developing region.Read more
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has requested 15 government land parcels from the state to fast-track several pending development projects. These include initiatives such as 24x7 water supply, road widening in various areas, and the creation of a playground in Shivajinagar. The civic administration highlighted that many projects have been delayed due to the unavailability of land. Once allocated, the state land will help move forward essential projects like roadworks, riverbank beautification, and construction of water tanks. The PMC has secured approval for the land acquisition, which will require INR 25 crore for the 15 parcels.Read more
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated efforts to recover commercial taxes from businesses operating in slum areas, aiming to generate approximately INR 100 crore in revenue. This move follows the civic body's struggle to recover dues from larger defaulters, including mobile towers that owe INR 3,500 crore. While PMC is focusing on slum-based businesses, civic activists have urged them to prioritise larger defaulters and discourage recurrent tax amnesty schemes. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects have rehabilitated approximately 11,000 slum dwellers, yet challenges remain due to space constraints and the demand for rehabilitation within the same locations.Read more
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized constructions, demolishing over 125 illegal structures in Shivejinagar, Chandannagar, and Kondhwa. The drive targeted encroachments on Maha Metro land near Dengale Bridge and unauthorized shops and food stalls operating without permits. Despite prior warnings, many continued operations, prompting immediate action. The initiative is part of PMC's ongoing efforts to maintain public order and compliance with building regulations. As Pune faces rapid urbanization, such measures are crucial for ensuring organized development and preserving public spaces across the city.Read more
Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Urban Development and Transport, has announced a critical meeting in Mumbai next week to address property tax collection and civic challenges in Pune's 34 merged areas. Discussions will cover seven to eight key topics, including a comprehensive development plan, streamlining urban planning responsibilities, and creating policies for biodiversity parks and hilltop areas. Misal also prioritized infrastructure issues, urging timely road repairs and strict action against delays. As Pune grows, this meeting aims to align development with community needs, ensuring improved civic services and sustainable urban growth under Pune Municipal Corporation's expanding role.Read more
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) approved 16 high-rise projects in 2024, a 78% increase from 2023, marking the highest approvals since 2016. Defined under the UDCPR as buildings over 24 meters tall, some of these new projects reach up to 160.45 meters and are concentrated in areas like Balewadi, Kharadi, and Bopodi. While urban planners support vertical growth for urban densification, concerns remain about strained infrastructure. PMC officials emphasize rigorous scrutiny and improved infrastructure, including twin water pipelines, but residents fear increased traffic and water shortages. The PMC must balance urban growth with essential infrastructure to ensure sustainable development.Read more
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The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is inviting housing societies to apply for up to a 10% property tax rebate for 2025-26 by adopting green initiatives like vermiculture composting, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy systems. Applications are open until February 15, 2025, with operational projects qualifying for the rebate. In 2023-24, 128,000 properties applied for similar benefits, though inspections revealed maintenance lapses in some cases. The PMC is addressing this through community awareness programs and additional incentives. This initiative aligns with PMC's environmental goals, fostering a culture of sustainability while offering tax relief to compliant property owners.Read more
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a new initiative to disconnect water supply from properties with unpaid property tax dues. The action will target both residential and commercial properties, with a particular focus on residential ones. The drive, which began on January 2, 2025, aims to recover significant revenue, with a target of INR 2,600 crore for the current fiscal year. To supplement their efforts, the PMC has also launched a music band initiative that has already raised INR 60 crore in a month. Legal advice is being sought to ensure that the measures taken comply with the law.Read more
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified its drive against property tax defaulters, sealing 202 properties in just three days. Over 10,000 properties with overdue payments exceeding INR 1 lakh each have been identified. The enforcement has spurred payments, with 398 defaulters clearing INR 9 crore in dues after the crackdown. PCMC, which oversees 6.3 lakh properties, has collected INR 569 crore in property tax revenue this year. Officials stress the importance of timely payments, noting that defaulters are notified before action. Even government offices with pending dues face penalties. This campaign aims to enhance municipal revenue for better services and infrastructure.Read more
The Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) has proposed the excision of 326 acres from its civilian zones and their integration with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), impacting nearly 29,000 residents. This decision follows consultations with defence and civic authorities, including the Southern Command and Bombay Engineering Group. While the merger could enhance municipal services, it also raises concerns over security and development restrictions near defence establishments. Feedback from the PMC and state government remains pending, and no final decision has been made regarding the merger, which includes maintaining certain defence-controlled zones.Read more
Avalara India, a leader in tax compliance automation, has secured approximately 1,80,000 square feet of office space at Panchshil Business Park East in Viman Nagar, Pune. This acquisition highlights Avalara's strategy to expand its presence in India and leverage world-class infrastructure to support innovation and operational efficiency. Known for its cloud-based tax automation solutions, Avalara simplifies tax challenges across industries. The deal, facilitated by CBRE India, further establishes Panchshil Business Park East as a premier destination for global enterprises.Read more
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has successfully recovered over INR 34 crore from property tax defaulters in the past fortnight by using music bands. These bands play loud music outside properties of defaulters, mostly commercial establishments, to shame them into settling their dues. The defaulters have not paid taxes for periods ranging from one year to ten years. Despite sending recovery notices, many owners had failed to respond, prompting this unconventional approach. PMC continues its efforts to meet a property tax revenue target of INR 2,600 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year.Read more
The Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme in Pune is set for progress in 2024. Covering 250.5 hectares and benefiting 5,800 residents, the scheme aims to develop a sustainable urban space with planned infrastructure and land use. Aligned with PMRDA's broader urban growth plans, the scheme supports the proposed 128-km inner ring road and adopts a land redistribution model inspired by Gujarat. Residents will receive 50% of developed land, with an arbitrator overseeing allocations. Alongside five other town planning initiatives spanning 751.55 hectares, the project seeks to enhance connectivity, attract investments, and improve living standards, marking a key milestone in Pune's urban development.Read more
NES, the data centre arm of TCC, leased its 4 MW IT capacity facility in Hinjewadi, Pune, to a leading data centre company. Completed in just four months, the facility supports high-density racks and advanced IT needs, showcasing NES's technological expertise and operational excellence. Its strategic location in Pune's IT hub added to its appeal. Managing Director Umesh Sahay praised the achievement, highlighting the industry trust and NES's commitment to innovation. This milestone marks NES's strong entry into the data centre sector, positioning it as a key player in delivering top-tier, scalable IT solutions for the future.Read more
The Pune Metro is a major rapid transit initiative designed to ease travel within one of Maharashtra's most dynamic cities. Officially approved in 2016 and operational from March 2022, the system currently includes two lines spanning over 31 kilometers, serving vital residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Developed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro), it employs modern rolling stock, automated fare collection, and eco-friendly features like regenerative braking and solar power utilization. Despite cost escalations, construction delays, and fluctuating ridership, the planned addition of a third line and future extensions signal long-term growth. The Pune Metro aspires to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable urban transportation.Read more
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has sought structural inspections of 4,883 flats built under the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana, after multiple complaints from residents regarding issues like ceiling leaks, bathroom problems, and toilet leakages within a year of moving in. The flats, constructed for economically weaker sections and low-income groups, were handed over to beneficiaries last year. PMRDA has contacted IIT Bombay and CoEP Technical University for the inspection to ensure the safety of the buildings. Developers are working on repairs, but some issues, like lack of manpower and security removal, have raised concerns among residents.Read more
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