PMC ‘abandons’ HCMTR project, petitioners seek its deletion from DP

The HCMTR was to pass through Bopodi, Savitribai Phule Pune University Chowk, Senapati Bapat Road, Paud Phata, Karve Road, Wanowrie, Ramwadi, Mundhwa and Vishrantwadi, among others, before connecting at Bopodi. It was expected to solve some of the city's traffic snarls.

Written by Dipanita Nath

Pune | October 30, 2025 09:11 PM IST

4 min read

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has axed the High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR) project, a 35-km elevated inner ring road, parts of which lay in an ecologically sensitive zone of the Vetal Tekdi.

During a hearing on October 29 before a bench of the Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, PMC Counsel Abhijit Kulkarni and Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta submitted that the HCMTR project has been ‘abandoned’ by the Pune civic body.

“Two km of the 35 km HCMTR are aligned over the proposed Balbharti Road through Law College Hill in an ecologically sensitive urban forest. HCMTR is one of the three destructive projects planned on Vetal Tekdi, the other two being Balbharti road and the two tunnels,” said Dr Sushma Date to The Indian Express. She and Dr Sumita Kale, who are fighting to protect Vetal Tekdi, had filed the case against the PMC.

“Having said in the SC that the HCMTR has been abandoned, it is important that PMC begins the process of deleting the ill-planned and destructive HCMTR from the Development Plan (DP),” said Date.

The HCMTR project was conceived in the 1987 Development Plan and notified again in the 2007 DP by the state government. In 2017, its cost was estimated to be between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000 crore. In June 2024, the state govt approved a revised plan of the HCMTR with modifications in the alignment.

The SC also ordered a fresh Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Clearance from the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority for the Balbharati Road. This was in response to–and overriding–Mehta’s submission reiterating the PMC’s stand that an Environmental Clearance was not needed for the Balbharati Road.

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“It is important that a full four-season EIA be conducted, as recommended by the PMC’s own EIA for the same project in 2019. We are extremely happy that the Hon Supreme Court has validated the ecological importance of the Law College slope of Vetal Tekdi,” said Date.

Earlier this month, the PMC had claimed that the SC had lifted the stay on the construction of Balbharati Road. The civic body had begun surveys and the process for getting the EC for implementing the project. Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and several officers had, reportedly, inspected the site and instructed officials to urgently apply for and obtain the EC. Ram had emphasised that a large number of trees be planted–he inaugurated a plantation drive–and added that it was vital that work on the road start soon.

Date is calling out the PMC Head of Roads department for telling the media that the road would be built soon. “This is even before the Environment Impact Assessment process has started, thus implying that the environment clearance is just a formality. We would like to remind PMC of its constitutional mandate … to safeguard our forests, green space and aquifers recharge zones. Though we had to go to the highest court in the land, we did and will continue to do what it takes to protect and preserve Vetal Tekdi as Pune’s natural heritage for future generations of Punekars,” said Date.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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