PMRDA Approves Funding for Rs19 Crore Bungalows at Raj Bhavan

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has approved funding for the construction of two new bungalows on the premises of Raj Bhavan, located along Baner Road in Pune. The estimated project cost is approximately Rs19 crore, with the bungalows intended to serve as the governor’s official residence and accommodate visiting VVIPs.

This development comes as the upcoming Pune Metro Line 3 is set to pass close to the Raj Bhavan estate. PMRDA officials have initiated the project and requested a small portion of land to facilitate a Metro ramp near the boundary of the premises, which will include the two new bungalows and an additional office facility.

Project Details and Approvals

Senior officials from PMRDA communicated their commitment to finance the construction, although they noted that technical approvals and clearances from the state government are still pending. A senior official from the Public Works Department (PWD), which is responsible for designing the project, confirmed that a preliminary proposal has already been submitted to PMRDA. “The government will take further decisions,” the official stated.

According to PWD’s outline, the new bungalows will be constructed on open land adjacent to the Yashada Institute within the Raj Bhavan compound. Each bungalow is expected to cover approximately 818.7 square meters. The push for redevelopment of part of the Raj Bhavan premises gained momentum after the alignment of Metro Line 3—linking Shivajinagar to Hinjewadi—was finalized. The Metro line runs along the protective wall beside Baner Road, necessitating an upgrade of the residential and protocol infrastructure.

Budget Considerations and Future Plans

The estimated budget of Rs19 crore is based on plinth area rates set forth in a directive from the state government issued in December 2020. PWD officials caution that the final costs may increase depending on specifications and inflation in construction expenses.

While focusing on the new construction, officials clarified that the existing heritage bungalows on the premises are not slated for demolition. “The new structures are being planned on vacant land,” a PWD official emphasized.

Despite the commitment to the project, discussions regarding next steps have not progressed significantly. “Necessary clearances and approvals are pending,” stated a PMRDA official. Currently, the state government is reviewing the proposal and will proceed once administrative sanctions and design approvals are secured.

The construction of these bungalows reflects an effort to enhance the facilities available to government officials and visiting dignitaries, aligning with the expanding infrastructure of the Pune Metro project.