Vehicle registrations in Pune increased by 7.39% last year, totaling around 70 lakh vehicles. Despite the rising number of vehicles, the city's road capacity remains unchanged. Pune commuters lose an average of 128 hours annually in rush hour traffic, making it the 7th most congested city globally in 2023. Each car in Pune emits 1007 kg of CO2 annually during rush hour traffic, exacerbating the city's pollution levels. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the quality of life and environmental health in Pune.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is drafting a Local Area Plan (LAP) for regions within 500 metres of four metro stations: Vanaz, Swargate, Pune railway station, and Ramnagar-Baner. This plan aims to enhance commercial and residential activities around these hubs, in line with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). By offering a higher floor space index (FSI) and allowing the conversion of residential properties to commercial use, the PMC seeks to promote transit-oriented development. The LAP will integrate city-level mobility and infrastructure improvements with neighbourhood-level enhancements through urban renewal or planned redevelopment. Additionally, parking will be limited to discourage private vehicle use, while metro feeder services and other public transport will be promoted.
To boost commercial space and attract businesses, the PMC is also focusing on redeveloping slum areas around the metro stations. A 10-month deadline has been set to finalise the LAP for these four stations. The plan includes providing incentives to developers and property owners for redevelopment, allowing high-rise buildings with tenements up to 500 square feet and only two-wheeler parking to limit four-wheeler usage. By encouraging commercial activities and offering incentives, the PMC aims to create a more accessible, efficient, and vibrant urban environment around these metro stations.
Starting 14th July, Sunday, Pune International Airport's new terminal will be fully operational. With CISF personnel and other technicalities now in place, the terminal is ready to serve the citizens.
Officials have announced that the Obstacles Limitation Surface (OLS) survey of Pune Airport will commence on Monday, July 8. A special team from Delhi, under the Airport Authority of India (AAI), will conduc