Pune civic body plans Palika Bazaar-like markets, ropeway to Parvati and glass bridge in Sarasbaug
Srinath Bhimale, chairperson of the Pune Municipal Corporation standing committee, says the hawkers' markets will free the footpaths from encroachment.
The BJP-ruled Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced that it will develop eight underground hawkers’ markets in the city along the lines of New Delhi’s Palika Bazaar to make the roads free of hawkers while providing them alternative business locations.
“To make footpaths free of encroachment, we will develop a hawkers market in Pune like Palika Bazaar in Delhi. There will be parking on top,” said Srinath Bhimale, chairperson of the PMC standing committee.
The PMC will also build a glass bridge in Sarasbaug and a ropeway from Sarasbaug to Parvati to provide easy access to the temples there and promote tourism, he said, adding the development of Shiv Srishti at Chandni Chowk would be taken up soon.
“The Bharat Mandapam at Lohegaon will bring international fame and investment to Pune,” he said.
Bhimale further said a plan would be prepared to conserve Pune’s culture, adding that the city would be established as India’s “book capital”.
The PMC also plans to build globe-like structures at four locations in the city where the latest virtual reality technology will be used to give a space experience.
Bhimale said the PMC would also set up a global capability centre hub, a metropolitan growth hub, and an investor facilitation centre in the city.
PMC’s other plans
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Ganesh festival museum
Redevelopment of Balgandharva Rangmandir
Cultural halls at Baner-Balewadi and Pune Kala Academy
A library at Kothrud
A memorial at the entry point of Pune city
75 model schools
Playgrounds
A sports training centre for the disabled
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.
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Srinath Bhimale said the Pune Municipal Corporation would prepare a plan to conserve the city's culture. (File photo)
