PUNE: Officials of MahaMetro has welcomed the recent decision of the State government on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy which allows four Floor Space Index (FSI) in a 500-metre radius around the metro stations in Pune.
As per the original proposal, four FSI was applicable in a 500-metre radius around both sides of the entire metro corridor. However, the PMC sent a letter to the Urban Development Department and asked them to allow four FSI only around the metro stations and not along the entire metro corridor so that there could be decreased construction. The State government accepted the PMC’s proposal and allowed the transit-oriented development policy only around the metro stations.
Speaking about the decision, MahaMetro Managing Director Brijesh Dixit said, "We welcome the decision taken by the government. It will help in increasing density near the metro station and will further increase the ridership. There would not be much difference in allowing four FSI on 500-metre of either side of the metro corridor or four FSI in a radius of 500-metre around metro stations."
While the government has also suggested premium Floor Space Index (FSI) charges as 60 per cent of Ready Reckoner for residential and 75 per cent for commercial establishment development, MahaMetro officials said that the use of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) will help people reduce the burden of using premium FSI.
"The FSI will help us generate non-fare revenue. We have the potential of commercial development at our two depots in Range Hill and Vanaz. We can also exploit Swargate and Civil Court stations for commercial development, which will help in generating non-fare revenues. We are targeting a non-fare box revenue to be 60 per cent," added Dixit.
EXTENSION OF DPR
Dixit said that they have received a letter from the Pune Municipal Corporation for the extension of metro from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk.
"The extension is about 2.25 km and will connect Vanaz to Chandni Chowk. We have received the letter from the PMC and the work of preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will start soon," added Dixit.
Speaking on ongoing DPR of Katraj-Swargate and Nashik Phata-Chakan proposed extension of the metro, Dixit said that the Katraj-Swargate extension of the metro can be designed in two ways. "The underground route which is around 6 km will cost approximately Rs 3,600 crore while the elevated route which is around 8 km will cost approximately 2,500 crore. We will submit our financial planning details to the corporation and also the DPR for Katraj-Swargate extension by March end. The Nashik Phata-Chakan DPR is in progress," added Dixit.
Speaking on Swargate-Khadakwasla extension, Dixit said that MahaMetro is yet to receive a letter for the same from the PMC. MahaMetro received requests of extension of the route from Ramwadi to Wagholi by residents of Wagholi on Wednesday afternoon.
On cost bearing of extension of metro routes, Dixit said that about 20 per cent of the cost should be borne by the civic body.
ABOUT 30 PC OF PROJECT COMPLETE
Dixit said that about 30 per cent of the project which includes Vanaz to Ramwadi (14.66 km) and PCMC to Swargate (11.57 km) corridor is complete.