In a development impacting the progress of the Katraj-Kondhwa Road project, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the project consultant. The notice was served due to the consultant’s failure to submit the crucial service line management plan within the stipulated timeframe.
The ongoing project involves the relocation of water supply pipes, cables, and other service lines to accommodate the construction of a grade separator. Despite repeated requests from the PMC, the consultant has yet to provide the required plan, causing setbacks to the overall project timeline.
A senior PMC official expressed concern over the delay, emphasizing its adverse effects on the project’s advancement. The PMC administration reserves the right to blacklist the consultant if the response to the show-cause notice is deemed unsatisfactory. Such an action could potentially impact the consultant’s eligibility for future projects with the PMC.
Critics, including local activists, argue that the reliance on external consultants for civic projects compromises the municipality’s operational efficiency. Notably, the PMC widened a section of the road near Khadi Machine Chowk to alleviate traffic congestion. The expanded road now features two lanes accessible from Khadi Machine Chowk to Kanha restaurant, contributing to improved traffic flow on Katraj-Kondhwa Road.
A Pune-based activist questioned the need for extensive consultant involvement when the PMC boasts a substantial number of skilled engineers. The ongoing Katraj-Kondhwa Road project has already utilized approximately Rs 48 crore in public funds.
