Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has fined the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) ₹13.7 lakh after finding significant damage to Ganeshkhind Road caused by ongoing metro and flyover construction. The construction has not only slowed traffic but also led to serious road damage, including potholes.

The PMC discovered that the collapse of a boundary wall built by the municipal corporation occurred during the installation of flyover girders by PMRDA. This prompted the municipal corporation to levy a three-fold fine on PMRDA and demand compensation for the damages.

The metro line construction from Shivajinagar to Hinjawadi, along with a double-decker flyover at Acharya Anand Rishiji Maharaj Chowk, is being carried out by PMRDA. To reduce traffic congestion, PMC has started widening the road to 45 meters, with work currently ongoing between Nanawati Bungalow and RBI.

During a recent inspection, PMC officials found that the use of an excessively heavy crane by PMRDA had caused extensive damage to various properties along the road, including ABIL House, Anand Mohite’s property, Ujjwal Mohite’s property, and NH Dhaba.

The damage affected footpaths, cable ducts, DWC pipes, carriageways, and boundary walls, with some pedestrian paths completely sinking due to the crane's weight.

The total damage amounted to Rs. 456,965, leading to the imposition of a three-fold fine, bringing the total to ₹13.70 lakh. PMC has sent a letter to PMRDA demanding this amount.

In addition to the fine, PMC has issued a notice to the company working on behalf of PMRDA on Ganeshkhind Road, warning them of potential legal action for damaging municipal property and neglecting road maintenance, particularly pothole repairs.

Road Department Head Aniruddha Pawaskar has ordered the company to provide an explanation within three days.