Pune: Maharashtra government has revised building regulations to facilitate redevelopment projects in Pune. The height restriction for buildings on roads up to 12 meters wide has been increased from 24 meters to 36 meters, easing constraints that previously stalled multiple redevelopment projects.

To standardize construction norms across municipal corporations and councils, the Maharashtra government introduced the Unified Development Promotion and Control Regulations (UDPCR) in December 2020. According to Clause 10.1.1 of these regulations, buildings up to 36 meters high were permitted on roads 12 meters wide or less.

However, in a policy amendment, the Urban Development Department added a clause limiting this provision to December 31, 2022. This decision halted the redevelopment of older buildings in Pune that relied on these regulations.

After two years of delay, the Urban Development Department has finally reinstated the 36-meter height allowance, but with a crucial condition—it applies only to redevelopment projects. The revision is expected to accelerate redevelopment efforts across Pune.

The new order, issued by Dr. Pratibha Bhadane, Joint Secretary of the Urban Planning Department, clarifies that the six-meter parking area will be excluded from the height calculation. This effectively allows buildings to reach a total height of 42 meters, including parking provisions. Given that an average floor height is 3 meters, developers can now construct buildings up to 11 or 12 stories high.

The decision has received mixed reactions from the construction industry. While developers welcome the move as a crucial step in easing redevelopment bottlenecks, some experts are questioning:

• Will this provision be applied retrospectively?

• Should the relaxation extend beyond redevelopment projects?

Despite the debate, the revised height allowance is expected to revitalize redevelopment in Pune by allowing societies to utilize approved FSI (Floor Space Index), TDR (Transfer of Development Rights), Premium FSI, and Fungible FSI for reconstruction.

Key Highlights of the Decision

• Building height limit increased from 24 meters to 36 meters.

• Total construction height, including parking, now allowed up to 42 meters.

• Redevelopment projects in Pune can now construct 12-storey buildings.

• Height relaxation is applicable only to redevelopment projects.

• Expected to accelerate the redevelopment of stalled projects across Pune.