Bal Gandharva parking in Pune misused by a nearby hotel.
PMC has delayed action despite public outrage.
Civic chief orders tender cancellation, urges PMC to run parking directly.
Pune, 4th October 2025: The ongoing dispute over the Bal Gandharva Rangmandir parking area continues to incite public anger, as allegations surface that the space meant for theatre visitors is being misused by a nearby hotel.
Despite the issue gaining traction on social media nearly two weeks ago, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has yet to take firm action against the contractor managing the site.
The Bal Gandharva theatre, a well-known cultural centre in Pune, often draws significant audiences. Unlike other theatres in the area, its parking facility was leased to a private contractor last year through a tender process. However, visitors have noted the lack of rate boards, and the parking space was frequently full even when no events were scheduled.
The situation escalated when videos surfaced of drivers claiming that the hotel had 'commandeered the parking' for its guests, igniting public outrage. This heightened suspicions of a potential conspiracy involving the contractor, the hotel, and PMC officials.
Reacting to the public outcry, the city officials issued notices and promised decisive action. PMC Commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram instructed the annulment of the tender and the reclamation of control. He has now stressed that the delay will be evaluated and that the corporation should manage the parking facility directly.
Although there have been numerous promises, no apparent corrective measures have been implemented yet. This situation has led to doubts about whether the municipal authority is protecting the contractor rather than prioritizing the public's welfare.