In a strategic move, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister, Ajit Pawar, has granted approval for the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) to initiate the construction of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s (MSRTC) bus stand at Shivajinagar. This crucial decision comes with the state government committed to providing the necessary funding to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The genesis of this development traces back to the relocation of the State Transport (ST) bus stand in Shivajinagar to Wakdewadi, facilitating the accommodation of the metro underground station project. Initially, the plan was for Maha-Metro to handle the construction of both the ST bus stand and the metro station at Shivajinagar. However, public criticism and calls from local representatives, including Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole, prompted authorities to reconsider and bring the ST bus stand back to its original location.
During a recent meeting chaired by Cabinet Minister Dada Bhuse, the decision was finalized to reinstate the ST bus stand at the Shivajinagar plot. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in collaboration with Maha-Metro, has directed the initiation of construction for the bus terminus, with assistance sought from MSRTC.
In a gathering that included MLA Shirole, Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao, and Maha-Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, Ajit Pawar emphasized the need for Maha-Metro to commence the bus terminus project promptly. He further directed the divisional commissioner’s office to allocate specific spaces for government offices at the Shivajinagar plot. The state government will subsequently allocate funds to cover the project’s expenses.
Shravan Hardikar presented a detailed overview of the planned work at the Shivajinagar plot during the meeting, outlining the steps to be taken for the successful execution of the bus stand project.
