Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is nearing completion of a bridge connecting Sangvi and Bopodi over the Mula river, with a total investment of ₹32.03 crore.
However, controversy has erupted as the corporation plans to spend an additional ₹20.65 crore solely on the beautification of the bridge, raising concerns over fiscal responsibility and public fund management.
According to PCMC officials, the bridge construction was initially scheduled for completion within two years. Delays in acquiring land from the National Agricultural Research Center in Pune pushed the deadline to August 31, 2024.
Yet, despite the extension, the project remains incomplete, causing frustration among local commuters who are still awaiting the bridge's opening.
Adding to the controversy, a new tender process was initiated for the beautification of the bridge, amounting to ₹20.65 crore in additional expenses.
This move has been attributed to the influence of Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, who suggested the beautification work.
Former mayors and ex-councilors have also been advocating for this enhancement, with plans and designs finalized after a presentation made to Ajit Pawar on August 25, 2024.
Despite the corporation's stated policy of issuing a single tender for large-scale projects, the decision to separate the beautification tender from the main construction has raised eyebrows.
Locals are questioning whether the bridge's delayed completion was part of a strategy to incorporate this costly beautification phase. The beautification work has been awarded to T&T Infra Limited, the same contractor responsible for the bridge's construction.
Many are left wondering what exactly will be beautified on a bridge of relatively modest length to justify an additional ₹20.65 crore in public expenditure.
Officials from the PCMC’s civil projects department stated that the beautification would be carried out according to the revised design, incorporating suggestions from Ajit Pawar.
However, critics argue that such high costs should be more carefully scrutinized, especially when the project is already significantly delayed.