Pune, 11 July 2025: Maharashtra Legislative Council member Yogesh Tilekar has urged the state government to extend the Pune Metro route up to Yeolewadi-Kondhwa to improve connectivity in the rapidly growing southern suburbs.
Speaking during the ongoing Assembly session, Tilekar emphasized that areas like Kondhwa and Yeolewadi are witnessing significant residential development, and residents are facing daily commuting challenges. He stated that including these areas in the metro network would significantly ease transportation woes and integrate them into Pune’s expanding infrastructure.
In the same session, Tilekar also raised concerns regarding the rise in unauthorized constructions in Pune, particularly in the Guruwar Peth area. These illegal structures, often erected under the guise of temporary sheds based on incomplete or bogus permissions, pose a serious risk to public safety and urban planning.
Industry Minister Dr. Uday Samant, responding to the issue in the Legislative Council, said that immediate hearings would be conducted for all such unauthorized constructions lacking proper approvals and demolition orders would follow swiftly.
He further clarified that religious structures with proper permissions would not be targeted. However, strict action will be taken against all illegal constructions, and a probe will be initiated against officials who deliberately ignored these violations.
Tilekar also reignited the long-standing demand to rename Mohammadwadi village in Hadapsar to Mahadevwadi. He informed the House that the villagers had unanimously passed a resolution in 1995 to change the name to Mahadevwadi.
The area was incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation in 1997. In 2014, the proposal was forwarded by local corporators to the civic body’s name committee and placed before the Municipal Commissioner. However, the proposal was stalled as the Commissioner cited that the decision lies with the state government.
Highlighting the continued support for the name change, Tilekar mentioned that villagers have warned of launching a protest in front of the District Collector’s office if the matter is not resolved soon. He urged the government to act on this long-pending demand and formally approve the renaming in line with the sentiments of the local residents.
Through his interventions, Tilekar underscored the urgent need for inclusive urban planning that addresses both the infrastructural needs of emerging suburbs and the administrative gaps that enable unauthorized development.