Palkhi route almost clear of Metro debris: PMRDA
Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) drive gathered pace after deputy chief minister and Pune guardian minister Ajit Pawar warned of a Rs10 crore penalty on the Metro concessionaire if debris and blockages were not cleared on time. The statement came during a review meeting on Saturday.
Pawar expressed concern over traffic congestion and waterlogging caused by the Metro line 3 works, emphasising that a clear and safe path must be ensured for warkaris.
He also ordered removal of flex banners and hoardings along the route.
PMRDA chief engineer Rinaj Pathan told TOI on Tuesday, "Debris removal is in the final stages and will be completed before the palkhi enters the city. Construction material and mud is being cleared to avoid inconvenience." The Metro line 3 corridor connects Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar and overlaps with the palkhi route between Sancheti Chowk and the Agriculture College flyover.
PMRDA has resurfaced roads, filled potholes and cleaned stormwater drains along the stretch, said the engineer.
Metro barricades have been realigned closer to piers to ease movement. Debris and obstructions have been cleared and key road segments widened.
The Metro concessionaire has assured that all ongoing work along the corridor is structurally stable and poses no threat to pilgrims.
Meanwhile, additional metropolitan commissioner Deepak Singla is supervising debris removal between Metro stations and viaducts in Hinjewadi after PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase chaired a coordination meeting on June 11, giving a week to complete the work.
Drainage work is also going on in front of the building at Metro station 2, along with general drain cleaning along the corridor, said another official. Further, the buildings permission department has issued a notice to a private project for violations and demolition of an illegal ramp near the Metro station 3 has begun.
Officials further said debris has been cleared at Pandavnagar (Hinjewadi phase II).
MIDC, PMRDA and the Tata Company held a joint inspection of streetlights and have ordered repairs and rectification, officials said.
Unauthorised stalls near Metro station 1 have been removed.
Earlier, citizens had demanded that civic issues in Hinjewadi be immediately addressed. They were part of the joint meeting held last week and had demanded for a time-bound work to address their issues. Group members told TOI they are happy there is progress.
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