Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme in Pune is poised to receive the necessary approvals and clearances for expedited execution in 2025. Initially announced by Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2018 during the Magnetic Maharashtra Investor Summit, the project has faced delays due to the need for multiple approvals and revisions.
Sources within the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) revealed that with Fadnavis now leading both the state government and PMRDA as the chairman, the scheme will be prioritized in upcoming meetings. This marks a significant push for the project, which has remained dormant for several years due to complications such as realignments required after flood line changes. The Mhalunge-Maan project is expected to span 250.5 hectares and will directly benefit approximately 5,800 citizens who initially gave up their land for the development. The scheme, designed based on the Gujarat model, will allot 50% of the developed land back to the original landowners. The remaining land will be developed for residential, commercial, and infrastructure purposes, complete with a well-planned road network. The project, which aims to develop the area with all necessary infrastructure, will be integrated with the larger 128km PMRDA inner ring road project. This makes the Mhalunge-Maan scheme an essential part of Pune’s urban expansion plans, particularly in terms of creating sustainable, mixed-use zones along the first 32 km stretch of the ring road. Along with Mhalunge-Maan, five other town planning projects in Wadachiwadi, Autade Handewadi, Manjari Kolwadi, and Holkarwadi are also set to be fast-tracked with support from both state and central urban infrastructure funds.
Despite the long wait, which includes changes in flood line considerations and subsequent plan revisions, the scheme’s progress is expected to accelerate with Fadnavis’ leadership. The approval of the PMRDA budget in September 2024, under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, further paves the way for this vital project to move forward. In addition to offering infrastructure development and urban growth, the Mhalunge-Maan scheme is seen as a key revenue-generating model for the PMRDA and is set to rejuvenate areas around Pune, benefiting residents and the city’s economy.
