A few lessons Pune can learn from MMRDA…….Manish Umbrajkar
PUNE: The development, planning and implementation of mass transport projects in Pune region can steam ahead if the Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA) is formed quickly, said Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad.
This was obvious going by the pace at which projects are being initiated by the MMRDA. Pune’s planners continue to struggle with development and mass transport projects like the metro while Mumbai has taken up several ambitious projects worth over Rs 1.14 lakh crore that it plans to complete by 2013.
According to Gaikwad, Pune has a lot to learn from the planning and execution of projects from the Mumbai development authority.
On what steps Pune could take to replicate the MMRDA’s example, Gaikwad told TOI that the Pune Municipal Corporation or the PMRDA should have a strong revenue base, look at revenue generating options and identify new growth centres.
“The early formation of the PMRDA is necessary and both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations should work in close cooperation,” he said.
Gaikwad observed that mass transport projects have to be heavily subsidised but providing hassle-free travel facilities for the people is a necessity. “Financially, the mass transit projects are in a loss, but the economic rate of return for the city is very high. This applies to Pune as well,” he said.
Among the first things done by MMRDA was a comprehensive transport study with planning till 2031, he said. “Simultaneously, a business growth plan was also done for the metropolitan region. The MMRDA consulted all the stakeholders,” Gaikwad added.
The next important step was to take up most projects on a public private partnership. “Initially, I had doubts about PPP, but I have realised that these projects cannot be initiated without the PPP,” he said.
The MMRDA, headed by chief minister Ashok Chavan, has 17 members. Several municipal corporations and municipal councils are involved ” Even so the level of coordination has been excellent. The decision making process is quick. There is a weekly monitoring of all projects,” he said.
MMRDA also has a think-tank which has implemented innovative projects like the skywalks to decongest suburban station areas, and to ensure pedestrians’ safety.