News / Author / Siddharth Gadkari

Siddharth Gadkari

Articles by Siddharth Gadkari

PMC to spend ₹15 crore on road repairs

Aniruddha Pawaskar, head of PMC’s Road Department, informed that tenders for the work will be floated in the coming days

The city has witnessed a surge in complaints over road conditions post-monsoon in recent years. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 21, 2025 07:14 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Commuters face daily inconvenience as Khadki & Range Hill metro stations still incomplete

While the Pimpri to Swargate metro line has been fully operational since September 24, 2024, it continues to skip both the Khadki and Range Hill stations as they are not yet opened to the public

As a result, passengers are forced to travel directly from Shivajinagar to Bopodi without a halt in between. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 17, 2025 06:22 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Dangling cable injures retired police officer on bike

Patil filed a complaint at Swargate Police Station against the unidentified person responsible for installing the cable and officials for negligence

The incident took place around 11.15am when the duo was returning home from an eatery near Sarasbaug. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 17, 2025 05:20 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Garbage fire damages power lines, 1.15 lakh consumers face outage

Fire broke out at dumped waste near Graf Centre on Alandi-Kalas Road at around 2.30am on Tuesday damaging power lines and disrupting electricity supply to 1.15 lakh consumers

Pune

Published on Apr 16, 2025 08:32 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Nullah cleaning delayed as tendering process runs late

PMC may fail to keep its date with pre-monsoon cleaning this year following delay in tendering that has pushed crucial cleaning operations dangerously close to the onset of rainy season

Pune

Published on Apr 16, 2025 08:16 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Metro Line-3 project likely to be delayed

In February 2025, the project deadline was extended to September 2025. Now, another extension is likely to add to the woes of citizens commuting near the route

Pune

Published on Apr 16, 2025 05:52 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Encroachments along Mutha Right Canal spark safety concerns, demolition drive to begin soon

The Mutha Right Bank Canal is a key lifeline for Pune city, supplying drinking water to the urban population and irrigation water to agricultural belts in Haveli, Daund, and Indapur talukas

The increasing number of unauthorised structures, including cattle sheds, car washing units, and even religious establishments, is seen as a direct threat to the canal’s stability. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 14, 2025 05:20 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Maha-Metro issues revised tender for Swargate-Katraj metro extension, Maha to fund two additional stations

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Swargate-Katraj underground extension ahead of the state assembly elections last year, construction work on the project is still to begin after the initial work of soil testing was carried out last year

The original tender for the 5.46 km underground stretch, floated four months ago, did not include the stations at Bibwewadi and Balajinagar, sparking opposition from local residents. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 14, 2025 05:16 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Pune civic body to prepare comprehensive mobility plan for Ahmednagar Road

Study will suggest traffic improvements during infrastructure works, provide alternative routes, & help regulate traffic

PMC’s proposed study will use state-of-the-art microsimulation tools to assess current traffic patterns and predict future scenarios. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 13, 2025 06:10 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

State panel to streamline planning, development of public amenities in PMRDA

The state government is drafting a policy to enhance public facility planning in PMRDA, promoting shared land use for efficiency across local bodies.

An official order was issued by Pratima Bhadane, joint secretary of the urban development department, on April 4. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 13, 2025 05:46 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

MSEDCL Pune division sees ₹5,137 cr revenue growth in two years

MSEDCL has managed to recover pending bills, bringing down dues from ₹124 crore to ₹69 crore in the last two years, besides recovering ₹62 crore in power theft cases

In the financial year 2023-24, there were 10,368 power outage incidents and the figure increased to 64,578 the next year. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Apr 10, 2025 10:32 PM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Key bridge & road projects in Pune stalled due to crematoriums coming in the way

One such bridge (24 metres wide and 200 metres long) connecting survey numbers 68 and 69 in Kharadi to Godrej Properties in Keshav Nagar was proposed in 2019

Proposed in 2019, the bridge connecting Kharadi to Keshav Nagar remains 20% incomplete on the Kharadi side due to the presence of three cremation grounds. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 10, 2025 09:24 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

PMRDA cracks down on illegal plotting; MLA seeks pause to protect public interest

The action involved the removal of illegal roads, plots, compound walls, and fencing across thousands of square feet

ocal MLA Babaji Kale said the action has created fear among residents. “I agree with the rules,” he said, “but the action is being taken only in Khed taluka.” (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 10, 2025 06:06 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Footpath crisis: Morning walks in Pune becoming a perilous routine

Data from the Pune traffic police and road safety non-profit Save Pune Traffic Movement paints a grim picture. In 2024, 119 pedestrians lost their lives in road accidents—over one-third of the total 334 road fatalities that year. This year, the numbers are climbing again: 62 pedestrians have died in just three months

In many cases, it was observed that citizens were forced to walk on the streets since footpaths were encroached on by hawkers. (MAHENDRA KOLE/HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 09, 2025 08:20 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Elevated, 9.66-kilometre-long road project announced for Solapur

Gadkari said that the elevated corridor will improve connectivity, make traffic flow smoother and safer, and help reduce traffic jams in the city

Officials believe it will also improve regional transportation and provide a long-term solution to Solapur’s increasing traffic issues. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Apr 09, 2025 06:18 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

PMC begins traffic studies for proposed metro routes to avoid future congestion

The final report will include detailed findings, proposed redesign, safety enhancements, cost-benefit analyses, and coordination plans with the PMC, Maha-Metro, and other key stakeholders

Pune

Published on Apr 07, 2025 06:02 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

PMC plans fogging system after protest over stench, air pollution at & around Hadapsar waste transfer station

According to solid waste management department officials, contractors will be required to install two portable anti-smog guns with a minimum range of 25 metres as well as nozzles placed at a height of at least 6 metres and spaced no more than 1.2 metres apart

The project also includes building an automatic tyre washing bay to prevent dirt and dust from spreading onto public roads, and handling the operation and maintenance of the entire system for five years. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 07, 2025 05:58 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Frequent pipeline bursts disrupt Pune’s water supply despite 24x7 scheme nearing completion

PMC has deployed emergency repair teams, but residents continue to face water shortages. With rising temperatures, ensuring stable water supply has become a challenge

On March 22, 2025, a 12-inch pipeline on BMCC Road burst, wasting hundreds of litres of water. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 06, 2025 10:58 PM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Demand for water tankers surges in Pune amid soaring temp

The highest demand comes from the villages newly merged with the PMC indicating that these areas are experiencing the maximum water shortage

Between January and March 2021-22, a total 81,361 water tanker trips were recorded which increased to 87,420 during the corresponding period in 2022-23; 104,830 during the corresponding period in 2023-24; and 126,110 during the corresponding period this year (2024-25). (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 06, 2025 07:50 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

PMRDA sets April 8 deadline for hoarding regularisation

The decision was taken at a meeting held on Thursday, March 3, at the PMRDA’s Akurdi office chaired by joint commissioner Dr Dipti Suryavanshi-Patil with officials and representatives of hoarding associations in attendance

Last year, the PMRDA had surveyed and found 1,000 illegal hoardings put up without proper permission and by December 2024, 24 of them had been demolished. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 04, 2025 07:36 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Coming: A third double-decker flyover at Kothrud

Pune plans a ₹85 crore double-decker flyover at Kothrud on Paud Road to ease traffic, similar to existing Nal Stop and SPPU flyovers.

Heavy traffic during peak hours and multiple signals cause congestion, especially on the 1.5 km stretch between Lohia IT Park and the garbage depot. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 02, 2025 05:32 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Mohol plans to reconstruct Sambhaji Maharaj memorial at Deccan through his MPLAD fund

In October 2024, the PMC approved a long-pending demand to install a canopy (meghdambari) over the statue. A tender of ₹47.27 lakh was sanctioned in the October standing committee meeting

The statue is a significant site where various political parties and organizations gather to pay tribute. (HT)

Pune

Published on Mar 31, 2025 06:36 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Forest dept. ready to provide land to PMC on rent to replant trees felled for development projects

Former PMC commissioner Vikram Kumar had requested the forest department for permission to replant project-affected trees on the city hills

In that case, the forest department intends to handle the replantation itself with the help of a non-governmental organisation (NGO). (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 31, 2025 06:14 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

IT companies in Pune’s Hinjewadi face power cut

Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL) has also started repairs work on Saturday morning and aims to complete them by Sunday night

A breakdown in the 220 kV Pirangut-Hinjewadi-1 underground power lines on 7 pm caused a power shortfall of nearly 100 MW. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) managed the situation by supplying alternative power overnight. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 30, 2025 05:34 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

PMRDA invites consultancy proposals for twin tunnel feasibility study

PMRDA has invited proposals for appointing a consultancy agency to conduct feasibility study for the Yerawada-Katraj twin tunnel project

Pune

Published on Mar 29, 2025 07:40 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

PMC making citizens install water meters while failing to regulate usage in its own establishments

There are seven major refilling stations/centres across the city, the PMC has been able to install the ‘automatic water refilling system’ at just two (Ramwadi and Wadgaon Sheri) out of the seven refilling stations in the last 16 years

Water tanker refilling centres continue to waste lakhs of litres of water due to overflow which is also damaging the roads and creating potholes in them. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 28, 2025 07:42 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

Traffic changes on Ahmednagar Road ease traffic but put pedestrians at risk

Traffic police appear to have taken the decision unilaterally without considering the difficulties faced by pedestrians due to which they are forced to cross the road in hazardous conditions

Pune

Published on Mar 26, 2025 08:36 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

MSEDCL cracks down on defaulters as power outages continue in summer

MSEDCL has disconnected 25,434 consumers in Pune for unpaid bills amid frequent power outages, affecting over 5 lakh due to tripping issues.

The MSEDCL has urged consumers to clear their dues immediately to avoid further disconnections. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 25, 2025 06:54 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

₹12,000 crore new highway proposed to address increasing traffic congestion in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad

The proposed highway is expected to decongest the heavily used Shikrapur-Chakan-Talegaon-Lonavala corridor, which sees a high volume of traffic

The new highway will serve as a direct and faster connection to Mumbai, offering relief to thousands of daily commuters and transporters. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 24, 2025 07:30 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

PMC starts cement-concrete road work at Katraj Chowk

PMC deputy engineer Dilip Pandkar confirmed that work on the cement-concrete road has already started at Gugale Plot

Katraj Chowk has faced severe traffic congestion for decades, even after construction of the Katraj-Kondhwa flyover near Katraj Zoo. (MAHENDRA KOLHE/ HT)

Pune

Published on Mar 24, 2025 07:22 AM IST

BySiddharth Gadkari

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Siddharth Gadkari

Aniruddha Pawaskar, head of PMC’s Road Department, informed that tenders for the work will be floated in the coming days

While the Pimpri to Swargate metro line has been fully operational since September 24, 2024, it continues to skip both the Khadki and Range Hill stations as they are not yet opened to the public

Patil filed a complaint at Swargate Police Station against the unidentified person responsible for installing the cable and officials for negligence

Fire broke out at dumped waste near Graf Centre on Alandi-Kalas Road at around 2.30am on Tuesday damaging power lines and disrupting electricity supply to 1.15 lakh consumers

PMC may fail to keep its date with pre-monsoon cleaning this year following delay in tendering that has pushed crucial cleaning operations dangerously close to the onset of rainy season

In February 2025, the project deadline was extended to September 2025. Now, another extension is likely to add to the woes of citizens commuting near the route

The Mutha Right Bank Canal is a key lifeline for Pune city, supplying drinking water to the urban population and irrigation water to agricultural belts in Haveli, Daund, and Indapur talukas

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Swargate-Katraj underground extension ahead of the state assembly elections last year, construction work on the project is still to begin after the initial work of soil testing was carried out last year

Study will suggest traffic improvements during infrastructure works, provide alternative routes, & help regulate traffic

The state government is drafting a policy to enhance public facility planning in PMRDA, promoting shared land use for efficiency across local bodies.

MSEDCL has managed to recover pending bills, bringing down dues from ₹124 crore to ₹69 crore in the last two years, besides recovering ₹62 crore in power theft cases

One such bridge (24 metres wide and 200 metres long) connecting survey numbers 68 and 69 in Kharadi to Godrej Properties in Keshav Nagar was proposed in 2019

The action involved the removal of illegal roads, plots, compound walls, and fencing across thousands of square feet

Gadkari said that the elevated corridor will improve connectivity, make traffic flow smoother and safer, and help reduce traffic jams in the city

The final report will include detailed findings, proposed redesign, safety enhancements, cost-benefit analyses, and coordination plans with the PMC, Maha-Metro, and other key stakeholders

According to solid waste management department officials, contractors will be required to install two portable anti-smog guns with a minimum range of 25 metres as well as nozzles placed at a height of at least 6 metres and spaced no more than 1.2 metres apart

PMC has deployed emergency repair teams, but residents continue to face water shortages. With rising temperatures, ensuring stable water supply has become a challenge

The highest demand comes from the villages newly merged with the PMC indicating that these areas are experiencing the maximum water shortage

The decision was taken at a meeting held on Thursday, March 3, at the PMRDA’s Akurdi office chaired by joint commissioner Dr Dipti Suryavanshi-Patil with officials and representatives of hoarding associations in attendance

Pune plans a ₹85 crore double-decker flyover at Kothrud on Paud Road to ease traffic, similar to existing Nal Stop and SPPU flyovers.

In October 2024, the PMC approved a long-pending demand to install a canopy (meghdambari) over the statue. A tender of ₹47.27 lakh was sanctioned in the October standing committee meeting

Former PMC commissioner Vikram Kumar had requested the forest department for permission to replant project-affected trees on the city hills

Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL) has also started repairs work on Saturday morning and aims to complete them by Sunday night

PMRDA has invited proposals for appointing a consultancy agency to conduct feasibility study for the Yerawada-Katraj twin tunnel project

There are seven major refilling stations/centres across the city, the PMC has been able to install the ‘automatic water refilling system’ at just two (Ramwadi and Wadgaon Sheri) out of the seven refilling stations in the last 16 years

Traffic police appear to have taken the decision unilaterally without considering the difficulties faced by pedestrians due to which they are forced to cross the road in hazardous conditions

MSEDCL has disconnected 25,434 consumers in Pune for unpaid bills amid frequent power outages, affecting over 5 lakh due to tripping issues.

The proposed highway is expected to decongest the heavily used Shikrapur-Chakan-Talegaon-Lonavala corridor, which sees a high volume of traffic

PMC deputy engineer Dilip Pandkar confirmed that work on the cement-concrete road has already started at Gugale Plot

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