The Times of India 22.09.2010
PMPML plots in PCMC areas may soon be open for commercial use
PUNE: The general body of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has cleared the decks for commercial utilisation of land reserved for the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) depots and termini.
The GB has approved a resolution initiating changes in the development control (DC) rules, which is necessary to allow 2.5 floor space index (FSI) on these prime plots.
As per the resolution, only the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal ltd (PMPML) and the PCMC will be able to develop the plots, said Pimpri-Chinchwad mayor Yogesh Behl.
A short-notice proposal was tabled at the general body on Monday following a letter sent by Dilip Band, divisional commissioner and president and managing director of PMPML. Band said in the letter that the transport body was suffering huge losses and there was a need to increase its income from sources other than buses.
The letter further said that the bus depots in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are located in prime locations. If 2.5 FSI is granted, depots can be developed on the ground floor while the three to four floors above can be used for parking; the portion above that will be developed on a build operate transfer (BOT) basis for commercial purpose.
"If 2.5 FSI is approved then funds can be generated to help the PMPML cover its losses. It would also mean better public transport in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad," the proposal stated.
To get the FSI approved, changes will have to be made in the DC rules of the PCMC under provisions of section 37 of MRTP Act 1966. In case a site is situated in the bus rapid transit system (BRTS) zone then the premium and other rules which are applicable for the BRTS zone shall not be applicable for the bus stand/terminus/depot.
Satish Kulkarni, joint managing director of the PMPML, confirmed that the transport body has sought permission to commercially exploit all the plots reserved for bus termini/ depots and other purposes for the transport body within the PCMC limits.
A PMPML official said that all the properties and plots that were reserved for the erstwhile Pimpri Chinchwad municipal transport (PCMT) were owned by the PCMC. The PMPML has received possession of only three depots, namely Nigdi, Nehrunagar and Bhosari and one central workshop at Nigdi. The PMPML had earlier sought possession of six plots in various parts of the municipal limits from the PCMC but the general body has kept the proposal pending.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Rajendra Kate said, "The PCMC should develop the plots reserved for depots and termini as it will bring additional income for the PMPML. The civic body has given funds to the PMPML for three years and now the transport body should look after its needs."
