Pune: In a perplexing regulatory inconsistency, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is enforcing two different rules when granting construction permissions within 500 meters of metro stations.
While the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) are being followed for determining Floor Space Index (FSI), side margin regulations are still being governed by the outdated 2018 Development Control (DC) Rules. This dual rule enforcement has resulted in several construction projects being stalled, leading to financial losses for developers and a revenue dip for PMRDA.
Discrepancy in Construction Approvals
In areas governed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), all metro station zones within 500 meters fall under Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) regulations, with construction approvals granted according to the UDCPR framework.
Following this precedent, PMRDA, which oversees a 23-kilometer metro corridor from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar with 23 metro stations, was expected to adopt the same approach. However, despite state government approval for UDCPR implementation in PMRDA’s metro zones, inconsistencies remain.
While FSI regulations adhere to UDCPR guidelines, side margins – which determine the required distance between buildings and plot boundaries – are still being dictated by the older 2018 rules. This selective application of regulations has led to reduced permissible construction area, financial setbacks, and uncertainty among developers.
Developers Question the Dual Approach
Real estate professionals and industry experts are raising concerns over the dual rule enforcement, pointing out that the same metro corridor should not be subject to two different sets of regulations. Some industry representatives argue that these inconsistencies are influenced by selective decision-making within PMRDA, leading to project delays.
"It makes no sense that one rule applies within PMC limits while another set of rules is enforced in PMRDA zones. This ambiguity is leading to unnecessary complications and delays," said a prominent developer.
Chief Minister’s Orders Overlooked
In a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the budget for PMRDA’s upcoming financial year (2025-26) was approved. During this session, the Chief Minister also gave his nod for universal implementation of UDCPR regulations across all of PMRDA’s jurisdiction, eliminating any regulatory discrepancies. However, despite this directive, PMRDA has yet to act on the decision.
When questioned, PMRDA officials stated that the proposal has been sent to the Urban Development Department for approval. However, inquiries with department officials revealed that the proposal is still awaiting ministerial clearance, with no set timeline for resolution.
Urban planning experts and industry stakeholders have criticized the delay, calling for an immediate resolution. "Since the Chief Minister is also the PMRDA Chairman, his approval should have been implemented immediately. Instead, the matter is being delayed unnecessarily," said Sudhir Kulkarni, President of the Citizens’ Rights Organization.
Ujjwal Keskar, President of the Aapla Parisar Organization, added, "PMRDA’s functioning seems dictated by a few officials rather than by policy directives. If approvals are inevitable, why not allow projects to proceed with an affidavit in the interim? Instead of facilitating development, officials seem focused on causing delays."
In response, PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase clarified that a proposal has been submitted to extend UDCPR regulations beyond just the metro station zones and into the entire PMRDA jurisdiction. Once approval is granted, implementation will follow.