The 1.5 km Mula-Mutha section will be inaugurated on February 15

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will open a 1.5 km stretch of the Mula-Mutha riverfront to the public and residents on its founding day, February 15. Residents will be able to walk, cycle and enjoy recreational activities along this section, which is part of the 44.4 km long riverfront development (RFD) project.

The civic administration has divided the project into phases, each covering different sections. The first stretch is a 3.7 km stretch from Sangamwadi to Bund Garden. Following this, the development of a 5.5 km stretch from Bund Garden to Mundhwa and an 8.1 km stretch from Aundh to Balewadi was started.

“90 per cent of the work on the Sangamwadi to Bundgarden stretch is complete. Of the 3.7 kilometer stretch, development work on a 1.5 kilometer section is completed,” said Prashant Waghmare, municipal engineer, PMC.

Once the PMC opens the 1.5 km stretch of the RFD from Sangamwadi to Bund Garden to the public on February 15, residents will have access to this area for physical exercise and recreational purposes from 6 to 9 am and 5 to 8 pm. The PMC is working to complete the 5-km stretch from Sangamwadi to Kalyaninagar by the end of March this year, Waghmare said.

The civic administration will undertake a tree plantation drive under the RFD in the developed area, in which the newly elected corporators will participate. This project will be open to the public for cycling, walking and recreational activities, ensuring that all necessary facilities are available to citizens. The initiative aims to provide residents with access to nature while they go about their daily activities.

In the RFD, the PMC has proposed several theme parks for citizens to enjoy the riverfront views, Waghmare said.

RFD project and legal challenges

The PMC’s Rs 4,727 crore RFD project, which faced significant criticism and legal challenges from citizen groups and environmentalists, is being implemented on the lines of the Sabarmati riverfront development project in Ahmedabad. In Punethe RFD will cover 44 km of river bank, with 22 km developed on each side, and will also extend across Pimpri Chinchwad.

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The PMC claims that the project will improve the water carrying capacity of the rivers and provide complete flood protection to localities adjacent to the river.

In March 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the project, which was subsequently challenged by environmentalists before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court. The court ordered the government to obtain the necessary environmental clearance for the project and comply with the guidelines set by the expert committee. Environmentalists expressed concern about possible damage to the river’s ecology and the increased risk of flooding during the monsoon season.

In 2017, Ahmedabad-based HPC Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd prepared the plan for the RFD, the cost of which is estimated to be around Rs 4,700 crore. The development and beautification project covers both sides of the 44.4 km river stretch passing through the city, including 22.2 km of the Mula River, 10.4 km of the Mutha and 11.8 km of the Mula-Mula River.

The project has been divided into eleven sections for its correct execution. The project aims to build 91 km of relevant embankments along the banks to protect low-lying areas from flooding. Green embankments will be provided in an area of 247 hectares, including landscaping on the slopes of urban and rural riparian zones. Four dams are proposed on the river.

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The Bund Garden Dam will be preserved, while a check dam and dam will be upgraded to advanced dams, and an additional dam will be proposed for the project. This improvement will facilitate water sports and river navigation.

The project proposes public amenities on 23 hectares of land, including 18 temples, 18 crematoriums and an increase in food courts from five to 11. The public will be able to access the river through 249 stairs, 19 ramps and 74 renovated ghats. It also proposes parks and gardens on 50 hectares of land.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of industry experience, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-governing bodies’ election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a “Bharat Mandapam”-style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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