Pune, 6th February 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced an ambitious plan to transform the city in 2026 by addressing small but persistent civic issues through better coordination among government departments.
To achieve this, a dedicated coordination cell named Sahaj Parivartan Kaksha has been formed, and its first meeting was held at the PMC headquarters on February 5.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the focus for 2026 will be on fixing footpaths, improving road conditions, ensuring cleanliness, and preventing repeated digging of newly repaired roads.
He explained that while large infrastructure projects will continue, routine maintenance and minor civic works must be handled efficiently and on a regular basis to improve daily life in the city.
The initiative draws inspiration from the successful coordination seen during the Pune Grand Tour Cycle Race, when multiple departments worked together to upgrade nearly 75 km of roads and footpaths. Ram said these roads will not be dug up for the next five years, and further beautification and resurfacing work will be taken up on adjacent stretches over the coming year.
A major concern discussed in the meeting was the relocation of electricity poles and feeders that continue to obstruct widened roads. As Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company currently lacks dedicated funds for this, provisions will be made in the upcoming municipal budget. Around 2.5 to 3 lakh electricity poles are expected to be relocated in a phased manner through this coordination cell.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing maintenance works, including the repair of nearly 2,000 damaged chamber covers so far. The administration plans to extend this work across the entire city within the next year.
Issues related to land acquisition for road projects will be fast-tracked with support from the district administration, while development works in newly merged villages will be taken up in coordination with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority to ensure basic amenities are not delayed.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the cycle race demonstrated what coordinated government action can achieve. He noted that while 75 km of roads were improved this year, preparations have already begun to upgrade more routes for the next edition of the event, which is expected to expand from 450 km to 900 km.
Several key agencies, including transport authorities, police, metro, pollution control, public works, forest department, BSNL, and state transport officials, participated in the meeting. Monthly reviews will be held to resolve bottlenecks and ensure accountability.
Commissioner Ram said the goal is not just grand projects but consistent upkeep, adding that citizens should see clear and positive changes across Pune by the end of 2026.
