In a concerted effort towards infrastructure development, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh presented a substantial ₹5,841 crore annual budget for 2024-25 on Tuesday. Along with state and central funds, the budget collectively stands at ₹8,676 crore, focussing on road development spanning over 60km and upgrading medical infrastructure with new hospitals and a burns ward.
The significant highlights include an allocation of ₹1,863.48 crore for developmental projects, ₹190 crore for the efficient operation of eight zonal offices, and ₹1,031.79 crore dedicated to the implementation of special construction schemes. Additionally, allocations of ₹1,898 crore aim to uplift the urban poor, ₹61.58 crore for diverse programs benefiting women, and ₹65.21 crore for schemes catering to disabled persons. The budget also allocates ₹269.89 crore for water supply initiatives and a corresponding ₹325.61 crore for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML). Moreover, it includes ₹100 crore for land acquisition purposes and a provision of ₹50 crore for the Smart City initiative, emphasising a comprehensive and inclusive approach to urban development.
Speaking while presenting the budget, Singh stated that the aim is to secure international status for Pimpri-Chinchwad through sustainable progress and development. He added that the thrust of the budget is the development of roads, primarily in Wakad, Punawale, Tathwade, Pimple Saudagar, Chikhli, Jadhavwadi, Borhadewadi, Moshi, Charholi, Talawade, Dighi, Dudalgaon, Wadmukhwadi, and Kudalwadi. Along with roads, work on pipelines, drainage, electric poles, and utility ducts will be carried out, he added.
Furthermore, Singh said Urban Street Design concept will be implemented from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk in Pimpri to Haris Bridge in Dapodi (6.7 km), from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk in Pimpri to Nigdi (6.4 km), from Birla Hospital to Dange Chowk (1.65 km), from Akurdi Gurdwara to Rajyog Colony Road (0.8 km), etc. The Urban Street Design concept includes footpaths, cycle tracks, and seating arrangements for citizens.
In addition, the budget has made a substantial allocation to improving medical infrastructure in the city. The civic body plans an 850-bed civic hospital in Moshi, with construction expected to begin in the next financial year. The PCMC budget also envisions setting up a 30-bed burns ward at the civic-run Talera Hospital in Chinchwad, along with plans for a 60-bed cancer hospital in the city on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis, he concluded.
