Pune, known for its rich cultural heritage and expanding urban sprawl, is set to redefine its skyline with the construction of its first-ever 45-storey building. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has granted approval for this groundbreaking project, which will be located in the suburb of Bopodi.
The approval of 19 projects exceeding 100 meters in height by the PMC mirrors the trend observed in Mumbai, showcasing a shift towards vertical growth in the city’s architectural evolution. However, urban planners emphasize the need for adequate public infrastructure before greenlighting such high-rise projects.
Vertical expansion comes with the prerequisite of ensuring infrastructure such as water supply, fire safety precautions, and drainage lines are in place. Failure to address these requirements could lead to chaotic traffic conditions, especially with the construction of high-rise buildings.
The approved 160.5-meter structure in Bopodi marks a significant milestone in Pune’s architectural journey. Previous approvals for tall buildings were granted in areas like Baner, Balewadi, Kharadi, and Vadgaonsheri, indicating a trend of concentrated vertical growth in specific regions.
With Pune’s continuous population growth, the state government has expanded the city limits over the years, incorporating additional villages. The incorporation of 23 villages in 1997 marked the beginning of this process, which has continued through various phases, encompassing 34 villages by 2021.
Areas like Kharadi, Vadgaonsheri, Baner, and Balewadi, known for their concentration of IT companies, have witnessed prominent construction projects due to the increased demand for flats, evident from higher property rates.
According to Vikram Kumar, Pune Municipal Commissioner, the construction of tall buildings in the city is increasing, with specific criteria and mandates for projects on roads wider than 24 meters. Certification from structural and geotechnical engineers, compliance with requirements, and the responsibility for structural stability and safety lie with the owner/developer.
The state government’s move to allow the construction of buildings exceeding 70 meters under specific conditions, delegated to the Municipal Commissioner for approval, showcases a strategic approach to vertical growth.
As per data, the current high-rise buildings in the city are:
- Baner – 5
- Balewadi – 5
- Kharadi – 4
- Vadgaonsheri – 4
- Bibwewadi – 3
- Erandwane – 3
- Gultekdi – 3
- Yerawada – 2
- Mundhwa – 2
- Sangamwadi – 1
- Shukrawar Peth – 1
- Aundh – 1
- Kondhwa – 1
- Wanowrie – 1
- Ghorpadi – 1
- Mangaldas Road – 1
- Mohammadwadi – 1
- Bopodi – 1
- Somwar Peth – 1
As of now, Pune boasts high-rise buildings in various areas, with Baner, Balewadi, Kharadi, and Vadgaonsheri leading the tally. The recent approval for the 160.5-meter building in Bopodi marks the 41st proposal greenlit by the PMC, with 15 projects surpassing the 100-meter height threshold.
