Union Budget 2025 Allocates ₹699 Crore for Pune Metro and ₹230 Crore for Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation
The Union Budget 2025 has announced significant allocations for Pune, with ₹699 crore for the Pune Metro and ₹230 crore for the Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation project. Reactions from Punekars have been mixed, ranging from appreciation to disappointment ove
Union Budget 2025Pune MetroMula Mutha River RejuvenationInfrastructure DevelopmentPunekarsReal Estate PuneFeb 02, 2025
The allocation of ₹699.13 crore for the Pune Metro and ₹229.94 crore for the Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation Project has drawn mixed reactions from the city's residents.
Kunal Tilak, a BJP spokesperson and vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Maharashtra, expressed satisfaction with the budget.
'It is great news for all Punekars that the central government has sanctioned a substantial budget for Pune Metro.
This shows the political will for a project that will change the face of Pune in the next 5-7 years.
The ₹230 crore for the Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation Project is a significant amount.
It should be used in tandem with the Riverfront Development Project while keeping environmental concerns in mind,' he said.
However, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm.
Senior Congress leader Mohan Joshi criticized the budget, stating that the central government hasn't given Pune much.
'The need of the hour was to improve the existing public transport system, which is the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) buses.
The city needs at least 1,000 more buses to reduce private vehicle usage.
Additionally, the FM did not mention the Pune-Lonavala railway line expansion or the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail project.
Overall, it was a disappointing budget,' he commented.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Mukund Kirdat highlighted the importance of end-to-end connectivity for metro commuters.
'Several Smart City projects are incomplete, including improving Pune's public transport system.
It was also expected that the FM would announce an AIIMS-like government hospital in Pune.
Moreover, there has been no forward movement in the development of the Purandar Airport, which is saddening,' he added.
Ranjeet Rane, a public policy professional, offered a balanced view.
'While the funding for the metro projects has been long in the offing, the allocations to the Riverfront Development Project come across as a signal that the voices of citizens continue to be ignored.
Considering the high number of defence establishments in and around Pune, a long-term plan to promote the setting up of a defence manufacturing hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission was a missed opportunity.
Such a hub would help create more employment opportunities in the city,' he said.
Cybersecurity expert Sandeep Godbole expressed his satisfaction.
'We could always ask for more.
However, the Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation Project and Pune Metro are both priorities for us, so I am definitely satisfied to that extent,' he added.
Activist Vivek Velankar emphasized the need for sewage treatment.
'The basic requirement of Punekars is the treatment of sewage, and money should have been provided for that purpose,' he stated.
Speaking about the overall budget, Ujwal Kunte, Founder and Managing Director of CQRA, said, 'The government's strong push for PPP projects, backed by ₹1.5 lakh crore interest-free loans for state capex and the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, is a game-changer for India's infrastructure.
This move will ensure better quality and timely project completion, inspire private sector participation, and bring us closer to world-class urban development and smarter cities.'
Ajay Agrawal, Managing Director of BramhaCorp Ltd, commented, 'The Union Budget 2025-26 introduces key measures to accelerate infrastructure development and boost the real estate sector.
With substantial allocations and innovative initiatives, it reflects the government’s strong commitment to fostering sustainable development and driving economic growth.
These initiatives reinforce efforts to modernize infrastructure, revitalize the real estate market, and create long-term opportunities for progress.'
Shashank Paranjape, Managing Director of Paranjape Schemes (Construction) Ltd, stated, 'The Urban Challenge Fund in the 2025 budget is a transformative step for real estate.
By driving ‘Cities as Growth Hubs,’ ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities,’ and enhanced ‘Water and Sanitation’ infrastructure, this initiative will boost real estate development, attract investments, and create more sustainable, future-ready urban spaces.
This visionary step will not only strengthen city infrastructure but also enhance real estate value, making urban living more efficient and aspirational.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has been allocated to the Pune Metro in the Union Budget 2025?
The Union Budget 2025 has allocated ₹699.13 crore for the Pune Metro.
What is the budget for the Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation Project?
The Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation Project has been allocated ₹229.94 crore in the Union Budget 2025.
Who is Kunal Tilak and what is his opinion on the budget?
Kunal Tilak is a BJP spokesperson and vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Maharashtra. He is satisfied with the budget, particularly the allocation for the Pune Metro and the Mula Mutha River Rejuvenation Project.
What are the points of criticism from the Congress leader Mohan Joshi?
Mohan Joshi, a senior Congress leader, criticized the budget for not improving the existing public transport system, not mentioning the Pune-Lonavala railway line expansion or the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail project, and overall, finding it disappointing.
What does Ranjeet Rane think about the missed opportunity in the budget?
Ranjeet Rane, a public policy professional, believes that a long-term plan to promote the setting up of a defence manufacturing hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission was a missed opportunity, which could have created more employment opportunities in Pune.
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