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Pune civic body plans shifting of Sambhaji Maharaj’s statue to centre of Garware subway

The earlier PMC plan was to beautify only the 1986 subway and construct a canopy for the Sambhaji Maharaj statue at the existing location, spending around Rs 50 lakh.

2 min readPuneJan 1, 2026 08:50 PM IST

A proposal tabled by PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated that “there was demand from local elected representatives and city MP Murlidhar Mohol to shift the statue in the centre at a height more than that exists now.” (Credit: Wikimedia Commons, image enhanced with AI)

To reduce traffic congestion and in response to the demand of Pune MP and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, the Pune civic body has planned to shift the statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji from the side to the middle of the Garware pedestrian subway that connects Fergusson College Road and Jangli Maharaj Road.

Rohidas Gavhane, In-Charge, Bhavan Rachna Department, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), told The Indian Express on Thursday, “The beautification of the Garware subway, open to the sky in the centre, is being planned with no major changes in the subway path. However, the statue of Maratha king Sambhaji, which is now in the corner of the subway facing Lakdi Pul, will be shifted to the centre of the subway.”

Gavhane informed that the earlier plan was to beautify only the 1986 subway and construct a canopy for the statue at the existing location, spending around Rs 50 lakh.

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“The proposal has been approved by the civic standing committee and general body for seeking permission from the district committee for installing statues. The financial arrangement for the proposed work is still on, and only after the process is completed, will the work be undertaken, following the end of the election code of conduct,” another PMC officer said.

As per Gavhane, a high podium will be constructed, and the statue will be installed atop it.

He also said the statue is frequently garlanded, and that congregations on such occasions cause traffic bottlenecks. “The shifting of the statue at the centre will prevent gatherings from spilling onto the road,” he said.

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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