The Times of India              19.12.2013

PMPML to get additional 2.5 FSI for its properties

PUNE: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is likely to get 2.5 floor space index (FSI) for developing its properties. The proposal has been sent to the state government for approval by the civic administration, municipal commissioner Mahesh Pathak said at the general body meeting on Wednesday.

At the meeting, corporators demanded discussion on the proposal which was listed on the agenda. However, they were told that the proposal has already been sent to the state government for approval.

"The (municipal) commissioner has the powers to send the proposal to the state government if the general body does not take a call on it within 90 days. The same rule has been applied in this case," Pathak said.

However, corporators objected to Pathak's reply saying that if the proposal has already been sent to state government, then why it was tabled before the general body meeting. A section of corporators also demanded that a voting should be conducted on the proposal. However, civic officials said the proposal was "kept before the meeting for information".

The additional FSI will help PMPML in creating better infrastructure for transport utility. The cash-strapped transport company will also be able to raise funds through commercial use of the properties, which will be developed using extra FSI. Use of additional FSI will be allowed for construction on plots reserved for PMPML bus terminals and depots. The transport body had sought 2.5 FSI for constructions, wherein the first two floors would be reserved for parking PMPML buses while the remaining floors would be for commercial use.

The PMPML had suffered a loss of Rs 107 crore in the last fiscal. In the last financial year, PMPML's income was around Rs 493 crore, while the expenses were over Rs 600 crore. Rising diesel prices have added to the PMPML's losses and it was forced to keep as many as 160 buses off the roads, as it does not have funds to buy spare parts. The crisis had also delayed payment of salaries to its staff this year.