State puts development curbs along Metro line

“The meeting followed cabinet clearance for the Pune Metro in June first week and discussed the preparedness for the project. Matters from financial support and creation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to regulations needed around the corridor were discussed in the meeting. The formation of a high power committee (HPC) in 15 days was also mooted,’’ said Benjamin after the meeting.

The directives on the construction are in accordance with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) report,which states that the government should freeze all development along the corridors,and for any construction within 50 meters of the proposed alignment a system of ‘no objection certificate’ should be introduced so that infrastructure expenditure at a later stage is avoided.”

Benjamin said he has directed Pune Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Pathak to set up an Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) office so that it can get operational.

“I have discussed with the commissioner and he has stated that separate staff will be appointed,” he said. Meanwhile the ad hoc committee for the SPV will be under the additional chief secretary UDD,municipal commissioner,city engineer and chief accounts officer as directors till a full-time managing director is appointed.

“The High Power Committee under the Chief Secretary and other members,which will include additional chief secretary UDD,principal secretary,finance secretary,law and finance will be convened for the metro project in the next 15 days,” said Phatak. The PMC commissioner would be the member secretary for the said committee.The meet also discussed the development of Metro corridors,formation of the SPV and proposals on financial matters.

The state Cabinet had earlier this month given its assent to the much-awaited Pune Metro project,approving the 14.925-km elevated route from Vanaz to Ramwadi.

The cabinet also decided to form the Pune Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) for implementation of the project,which is to be completed in five years. The 14.925-km elevated Metro from Vanaz to Ramwadi (route will be extended to Chandannagar,separate line will link metro to Pune airport) will have its main depot at Kothrud and will require 18.44 hectares of land.