The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is making big moves to push forward the development of the Pune Ring Road by setting up a new entity called MSRDC Pune Ring Road Limited (MPRRL). This company will be in charge of overseeing the project from start to finish under the DBFOT model.
Here’s what MPRRL will be responsible for:
1. Construction Oversight: MPRRL will be supervising the construction of both the eastern and western sections of the Pune Ring Road.
2. Operational Management: Once the road is completed, MPRRL will also handle the day-to-day operations.
3. Toll Collection Management: MSRDC will be in charge of toll collection for a whopping 40 years after the road is finished.
However, not everything is smooth sailing for the project. Here are some controversies and concerns:
1. Contradictory Policies: The decision to collect tolls on the Pune Ring Road has sparked criticism, especially since toll booths in Mumbai were recently shut down. This has left many scratching their heads over the conflicting policies.
2. Tender Issues: The bids received for the construction work were much higher than expected, leading to a suggestion to cancel the tenders and start fresh. Despite objections, the state government gave the green light to the higher bids.
3. Project Cost Escalation: The initial cost estimate of ₹20,335 crore has now skyrocketed to ₹42,711 crore due to the revised tenders. The government plans to recover these costs through toll collection, putting the burden on the public.
With all these ups and downs, it’s clear that the Pune Ring Road project still has a long way to go before it becomes a reality.
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