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Pimpri-Chinchwad: From new road projects in Punawale to upgraded footpaths in Charholi and fresh civic works in Ravet, last year’s Participatory Budget of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) turned hundreds of citizen ideas into on-ground reality. In 2024–25, 786 community suggestions made the cut, with 499 of them funded, driving ₹136.98 crore worth of development, well above the earmarked ₹94.86 crore.
Buoyed by this success, PCMC is now set to launch the 2026–27 cycle of the initiative on August 15, once again allowing residents to decide how 10% of each zone’s property tax revenue should be utilised in their neighbourhoods.
For the ongoing 2025–26 period, the civic body received 2,279 proposals across its eight zones. Following technical scrutiny, 786 projects were approved and 499 funded. The final allocation exceeded initial reserves, signalling strong alignment between public demand and municipal spending.
Zone D, covering Punawale, Tathawade, Wakad, and Pimple Saudagar, emerged as the highest-funded area, bagging ₹43.88 crore for major roadwork, park creation, stormwater drainage improvements, and pedestrian infrastructure. Zone B, including Ravet and Kiwale, secured ₹20.60 crore for new road networks, footpaths, and a municipal school in Ravet.
Citywide, road upgrades, footpath development, park enhancements, waste management, and drainage topped the list of funded works. Localised demands also stood out, such as CCTV networks for safety in Zones A and F, urban design-compliant pathways in Thergaon, and a railway overpass in Pimpri Gaon.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “The Participatory Budget proves governance works best when citizens are at the centre. The projects implemented last year are visible proof that community input leads to results that people truly value. This is as much about trust and collaboration as it is about infrastructure.”
Chief Accounts and Finance Officer and Director Praveen Jain added, “Every rupee here reflects public priorities. This process ensures transparency, accountability, and the satisfaction of knowing that funds are going exactly where the people want them.”
Last Year’s Highlights
- Proposals received: 2,279
- Accepted: 786 | Funded: 499
- Funds allocated: ₹136.98 crore (vs ₹94.86 crore reserve)
- Top-funded zones:
Zone D — ₹43.88 crore (roads, parks, drainage, footpaths)
Zone B — ₹20.60 crore (roads, school construction, footpaths)
Zone E — ₹20.22 crore (roads, footpaths, education)
Participatory Budget 2026–27 — Opens August 15
- Who can apply: Any Pimpri Chinchwad resident
- Where to apply: Online via PCMC portal or at ward offices
- Funds available: 10% of each zone’s property tax collections
- Focus areas: Roads, footpaths, parks, amenities, waste management, water supply, stormwater drainage, street lighting, safety measures
- Why participate: Influence local development and ensure spending matches real community needs
