Infrastructure Watch: Pune’s riverfront facelift project gets SPV boost

The PMC has already carried out a geo-technical investigation report, hydrology and hydraulics report, area assessment, environment impact assessment and concept masterplan for the project.

River cleaning in progress at Mula-Mutha river. (Express Photo: Arul Horizon, File)

After pushing for implementation of pollution abatement of Mula-Mutha river that cuts across the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) beautification plan of the riverside on the lines of Godavari is likely to speed up with the state government according the status of `Special Purpose Vehicle’ to the ambitious project worth Rs 2,168 crore.

“The river beautification project would speed up as the state government has now given it the status of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The PMC had requested the state government one and half years ago to declare the project as SPV,” said mayor Murlidhar Mohol.

He said the project would add to the beauty of the city and at the same time help in environment-friendly development of the riverbed while improving public health. The PMC has already carried out a geo-technical investigation report, hydrology and hydraulics report, area assessment, environment impact assessment and concept masterplan for the project.

The project will be implemented in phases and pilot stretches would be developed first. It envisages developing 9.2 km of riverbed that includes both sides of the river — from Sangam bridge to Bundgarden, 7.1 km, including both sides of riverbed from Mundhwa to Kharadi; and 8.5 km, including both sides of riverbed from Aundh to Baner.

As per the tentative plan, the project would beautify the 44-km of river stretch passing through the civic limits that includes continuous access with pathways for walking and cycling, 16 new boating facilities, doubling the ghats to 40, and increase the number of eateries.

The Ahmedabad -based HPC Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd and city based Center for Development Studies and Activities prepared the tentative draft plan of the project. It covers both sides of 44-km of river stretch passing through the city which includes the 22.2 km Mula, 10.4 km Mutha and 11.8 km Mula-Mula river.

The plan’s objectives of keeping the river clean and making it pollution free, reducing risk of flooding, creating a continuous public realm along the river, retaining water, improving the city’s access to the riverfront and integrating heritage structures, current activities, parks and gardens.

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It proposes 36 visarjan tanks for ganesh immersion as against the existing 16. It has proposed doubling the strength of ghats from 20 to 40 alongside the river. There are 53 access points existing for the river while 240 more access points are proposed.

The project plan further includes constructing a barrage near Garware bridge on Mutha river. The boating facilities will be available at two locations at COEP boating club and near Mula-Pawana sangam while the plan includes 16 new locations to be developed for boating facilities.

The plan proposes redevelopment of 82.45 hectare of garden alongside the river, 18 temples,18 crematorium and burial grounds, increasing the eateries from 5 to 11.

The Mula, Mutha and Mula-Mutha river passes through Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Kirkee Cantonment Board. The land belongs to the revenue department and the irrigation department of the state government. The SPV will, therefore, have representation of all the concerned authorities as it would help in speeding up the project.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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