In light of a recent unauthorized borewell drilling incident that compromised the underground Metro tunnel in Shukrawar Peth, Pune Metro has issued a stern warning regarding potential legal repercussions and the recovery of costs associated with the damage inflicted on its infrastructure.
Officials have emphasized that obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pune Metro Rail Project authority is essential before any construction activity can commence.
Chandrashekhar Tambekar, a spokesperson for Pune Metro, stated, “All property owners, developers, housing societies, and other entities planning development or redevelopment within 20 meters of either the elevated or underground metro routes are required to secure permission or an NOC from the appropriate metro authority prior to beginning work.”
Tambekar explained that the issuance of a public notice followed a recent incident where borewell drilling on private property led to damage of the tunnel roof along the underground metro route in Shukrawar Peth. “Pune Metro Rail has lodged a police report against the property owner and developer,” he noted, stressing the need for clearer guidelines to prevent similar occurrences.
Construction activities that necessitate prior approval from Pune Metro include but are not limited to construction, demolition, excavation, ground studies, borewell drilling, and well construction. Tambekar further mentioned that the installation of utility service cables or pipelines, as well as basic civic service installations, also requires the appropriate permissions or an NOC.
These civic services encompass the laying of water and drainage pipelines and the building of stormwater drainage systems, while utility services involve electric, telecommunication, and gas pipeline installations.
“Failure to adhere to Pune Metro’s guidelines will result in legal consequences, and offenders will be liable for financial costs associated with any structural damage to metro property,” he warned.
According to Tambekar, citizens should submit their applications for permission or an NOC to the Pune Metro planning department.
Additionally, Pune Metro has been designated as the planning authority for a zone extending 500 meters on either side of its route. This designation grants it the authority to approve new construction and collect development fees for projects with a high Floor Space Index.
Currently, Pune Metro operates along two major routes. The first route stretches from PCMC to Swargate, featuring an elevated section from PCMC to Shivajinagar and an underground segment from Shivajinagar to Swargate, which runs beneath the Mutha River and traverses the city center. The second route is entirely elevated, connecting Vanaz to Ramwadi, with Line 3, also elevated from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, set to launch soon.
Work has commenced on extending the elevated route from PCMC to Nigdi, while plans for an underground extension from Swargate to Katraj and elevated routes from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi are expected to begin shortly.
Ajay Jadhav serves as the Assistant Editor at The Indian Express in Pune. He brings over 22 years of journalistic experience, focusing on the intersections of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability.
In his editorial role, Jadhav significantly influences the direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policies and their implications for residents.
His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University, alongside a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility. He also has studied at the esteemed Fergusson College.
Jadhav is recognized for his impactful reporting, notably on issues affecting waste workers, which contributed to national policy reforms aimed at enhancing their working conditions. He has also highlighted the disparity between advanced infrastructure projects, such as helipads for officials, and the deficiency of basic services like schools in their local areas.
In his personal life, Jadhav is an enthusiastic trekker and sports lover, with his passion for the outdoors often informing his environmental and sustainable development reporting.
Recent notable articles by Jadhav, published in late 2025, have primarily focused on the forthcoming civic polls in January 2026 in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, as well as the city’s burgeoning infrastructure:
- Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026)
- “Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC” (Dec 22, 2025): An in-depth examination of the fierce rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they gear up for the municipal elections on January 15.
- “Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (Dec 20, 2025): Coverage of significant party switching ahead of the elections.
- “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies” (Dec 21, 2025): An analysis of the outcomes from local self-government elections as a precursor to the main civic elections.
- Infrastructure & Urban Development
- “Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (Dec 22, 2025): An outlook piece on the anticipated completion of Metro Line 3 by March 2026.
- “Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River” (Dec 18, 2025): Details of a significant project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion between Hadapsar and Kharadi.
- “Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari” (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s commitment to enhancing one of the state’s vital transport routes.
- Civic Governance & Environment
- “Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders” (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the “Breathless Pune” series, detailing new mandates for builders to monitor air quality.
- “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the administrative efforts to rectify inaccuracies in the electoral rolls.
