Pune: The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) faced a setback in its plans to construct a grain warehouse at Khandobamal in Uruli Devachi.

The local gram panchayat passed a resolution halting the project, citing strong local opposition. Consequently, MahaMetro has approached the district administration to identify a new location to proceed with the construction.

Background and Current Challenges

To support the development of a multi-modal transport hub at Shivajinagar, MahaMetro proposed relocating the grain warehouse at Shivajinagar.

The district administration identified 14 acres of grazing land at Khandobamal (Survey No. 151) in Uruli Devachi. A detailed plan was prepared, and MahaMetro initiated construction in June, which included a 24,000-square-foot facility with five to six warehouses capable of storing 1,800 tons.

However, the local gram panchayat passed a resolution to halt the construction, citing objections from residents. MahaMetro subsequently paused the project.

Financial Implications

MahaMetro has been paying rent for a temporary warehouse in Phursungi while awaiting the completion of the new facility. The delay has caused financial strain on the organization.

MahaMetro officials have written to the district administration, urging swift action to identify an alternative site and secure necessary approvals to resume construction.

MahaMetro has assured the district administration that it will fully fund the construction of a replacement grain warehouse. A contractual agreement is in place to complete the relocation within three years. Until then, MahaMetro will continue to pay rent for the temporary warehouse.

Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of MahaMetro, said, "We had started construction in June, as per plans to build five to six warehouses with a capacity of 1,800 tons at Khandobamal.

However, local opposition has forced us to halt the project. We have communicated with the district administration to allocate a new site for the warehouse."

The district administration is under pressure to resolve the issue swiftly. With over three years already spent on deliberations and planning, further delays could impact MahaMetro's larger projects, including the integration of Pune’s metro corridors at Shivajinagar.