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Building Pune: PMC to spend Rs 5 crore to ensure optimum densification near Metro stations

In 2019, the Maharashtra government approved the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy to encourage more people to settle near Metro stations.

Currently, Metro services from Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate and Vanaz to Ramwadi have become operational.

As the two main Metro routes – Purple Line and Aqua Line – have become fully operational in the city, the Pune civic body has expedited the preparation for a dedicated Local Area Plan (LAP) for additional Metro stations. The plan aims to ensure optimum densification within the 500-metre radius of the stations, facilitating maximum use of the Metro rail system.

As a pilot project, the LAP for Metro stations at Swargate and Ramnagar in Baner is being prepared by Design Point Consult at a cost of Rs 1.12 crore while that for Metro stations at Pune Railway station and Vanaz is being prepared by IBI Group India for Rs 1.34 crore. “A budgetary provision of Rs 5 crore has been made by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for 2025-26 for preparing LAP for other Metro stations,” said Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale.

In 2019, the Maharashtra government approved the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy to encourage more people to settle near Metro stations. Accordingly, a 500-metre radius around Metro stations was fixed as the TOD zone and the Floor Space Indices (FSI) in this area was relaxed.

TOD encourages the development of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces near transit hubs, with an aim to reduce long commutes and promote sustainable urban planning. LAP will be designed based on the TOD policy.

Bhosale emphasised that the primary objective of LAP is to ensure optimum densification with provision of civic facilities near Metro stations. “The civic body has started giving permission for high rise buildings with increased permissible Floor Space Index (FSI) in the 500-m radius of Metro stations as per TOD policy. This is going to increase the population density of the area,” the municipal commissioner said.

Accordingly, the PMC will have to address the basic civic needs of residents which are Garden, Parking Space, Hospital and other essential facilities within the vicinity for which LAP must be prepared.

Currently, Metro services from Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate and Vanaz to Ramwadi have become operational, while that from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar will be launched by year-end. Together, these three Metro lines cover approximately 37.3 km and include 36 stations.

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Work for extending the routes from Pimpri Chinchwad to Nigdi and Swargate to Katraj has begun while work on other routes, including Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Swargate and Hadapsar, Nal Stop to Manikbaug, Vanaz to Chandni chowk, Ramwadi to Wagholi via Kharadi, Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor and Saswad will start after getting the approval from the Central government.

The LAP will ensure effective street network and connectivity, efficient integration with public transit, parking management for the area, effective utilisation of land under public domain, ensuring optimum FSI utilisation, redevelopment potential, upgrading physical infrastructure, sufficient social amenities for high-density population, ensuring gender safety and pedestrian-friendly environment.

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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