Dr Abhijit Chaudhari Takes Charge as PMRDA Commissioner, Aims to Accelerate Key Projects
Pune: Indian Administrative Services (IAS) Dr Abhijit Chaudhari took charge as the new Metropolitan Commissioner of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) on Monday. He succeeded outgoing commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase, who is transitioning to Mantralaya in Mumbai.
Soon after assuming office, Dr Chaudhari stated that his priority will be to speed up major infrastructure projects in the Pune Metropolitan Region. These projects include the Pune Ring Road, the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro, and various town planning schemes. He emphasized that the authority will also focus on systematic planning for the rapidly growing Pune metropolitan area.
Speaking to journalists, Dr Chaudhari outlined that PMRDA will take concrete steps to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and nearby rural areas. He mentioned that special attention will be given to easing traffic congestion in major IT and industrial zones. The river rejuvenation project will also see continued progress under his leadership.
Dr Chaudhari acknowledged that some issues related to land acquisition and the return of land to farmers are pending. He assured that these will be resolved through coordination with the concerned stakeholders. The charge handover was conducted in the presence of Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Deepak Singla and Joint Commissioner (Administration) Rupali Awale-Dambe. Outgoing Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase and Singla welcomed Dr Chaudhari and wished him success in his new role.
Dr Chaudhari brings with him around 15 years of experience in the administrative service. Officials are optimistic that several pending PMRDA projects will gain momentum under his leadership. His aim is to help build a prosperous, industry-friendly, and well-planned metropolitan region for the future.
