Pune, 9th March 2026: A newly constructed footpath near Sai Chowk in Balewadi has been dug up barely two months after completion, raising concerns among residents about poor planning and wastage of taxpayers’ money.
The footpath, built near the waste segregation center in the area using MLA development funds ahead of the municipal elections, had replaced an older structure whose cement slabs were broken and removed during the renovation.
However, soon after the new footpath was completed, excavation work began again to lay a gas pipeline by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL).
Residents say the digging has left the stretch uneven and inconvenient for pedestrians. After the pipeline work, the excavated area has only been filled with loose soil, creating difficulties for people walking through the busy stretch.
The situation is particularly concerning as a weekly market is held in the area and many residents use the route for morning and evening walks.
Due to the damaged footpath, pedestrians are often forced to walk on the road, increasing the risk of accidents and causing inconvenience to commuters.
Local residents have alleged that the work was carried out without proper planning and coordination between departments. They claim that roads and footpaths in the area are frequently dug up for different infrastructure works, leading to repeated waste of public funds.
Hanumant Balwadkar, a local resident, said, “The footpath has been dug up again without any planning. Whether the work is done through MLA funds or MP funds, it is ultimately taxpayers’ money. Watching this money being wasted while we can do nothing about it is frustrating.”
Officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation acknowledged the issue and said the excavation was carried out for laying a new gas pipeline.
Yogita Bhamare, Junior Engineer from the PMC Road Department, said, “The footpath was excavated by MNGL for installing a new gas pipeline. Considering the inconvenience faced by citizens, repair work will be taken up at the earliest.”