Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has witnessed a frantic rush to approve an astonishing 160 proposals during the standing committee meeting.

The approval, which took place on Friday (October 4), comes just in time as the fear of the impending assembly election code of conduct looms large over the city’s administrative machinery.

The timing of the approvals is significant, with many suspecting the potential announcement of assembly elections right after Dussehra. Aware of this looming deadline, PMC officials seem to have swung into action to ensure that no developmental work is stalled.

The ₹100-₹110 crore worth of proposals range from infrastructure improvements to new projects that are set to transform Pune.

In a scene that could have been taken straight out of a political thriller, the standing committee meeting witnessed a dramatic turn of events.

On Thursday evening, several last-minute proposals were pushed forward by department heads, much to the surprise of PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale.

The sudden influx of proposals led to a delay in the proceedings, forcing the commissioner to adjourn the meeting and reconvene it the following day. By Friday, all 160 proposals had been approved, leading to a frenzied effort to issue work orders as soon as possible.

As the approvals came in, contractors in Pune were seen rushing to the PMC offices, hoping to secure their slice of the project pie. The race to begin these works on time is crucial, as the election code of conduct could freeze any ongoing projects.

Many of the projects are funded by MLA funds, and their inauguration ceremonies will be presided over by respective local representatives, adding an extra layer of urgency to the process.

The PMC administration is now working around the clock to ensure that all necessary work orders are issued within the next few days. If the work orders are not issued promptly, these projects could be indefinitely delayed, leaving contractors, local officials, and even residents in suspense.