PMRDA To Fund ₹19 Crore Raj Bhavan Bungalow Project, Sparking Debate On Use Of Public Development Funds

Hey, this one’s been bothering me a bit, and I felt it had to be shared. So, here it is:

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has given the green signal to a ₹19 crore project for a new bungalow complex at Pune’s Raj Bhavan, which is the official residence of the Governor.

Now, sure, the Governor’s residence is a VVIP spot. But here’s what’s confusing (and honestly, frustrating): PMRDA’s primary job is to ensure the planned development of the Pune Metropolitan Region. That means roads, affordable housing, town planning, and public transport. Not luxury bungalows. Right?

What PMRDA is Actually Supposed to Be Doing

Let’s not forget what PMRDA was created for:

Building metro lines
Constructing ring roads
Designing town planning schemes
Creating affordable housing
Enhancing public amenities like roads, water supply, and basic infrastructure

None of this sounds like funding a posh bungalow for a VVIP. So, why are they doing it?

The “Official” Explanation

Sources say the current structures at Raj Bhavan are old, worn down, and not up to current security and protocol requirements. The new plan involves demolishing the old structures and constructing modern ones.

Fair enough. Maintenance is important.

But here’s the thing: Shouldn’t the Public Works Department (PWD) be handling this? And even if a rebuild is needed, do we really need to use PMRDA funds for it?

What Could That ₹19 Crore Have Done Instead?

Let’s talk about the opportunity cost. Because this isn’t just about buildings, it’s about choices.

Public Transport: 50 new PMPML buses
Healthcare: 20 fully equipped health clinics
Education: Revamping 15 rural schools
Roads: Repairing 30–40 km of internal roads

I mean, that’s a real impact. That’s development people can see and feel in their daily lives.

Voices of Dissent

An NCP spokesperson said it best: “This is a gross misuse of funds. PMRDA’s role is to develop the region—not VIP bungalows. Citizens deserve better priorities.”

Urban planner Meera Joshi added something that really hit home for me: “PMRDA was envisioned to transform infrastructure. If its funds are being used for administrative comfort zones, that vision is being diluted.”

Why This Matters

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about one bungalow complex. It’s a signal. A signal about what our development bodies prioritize. About how public money is being used.

If you’re someone who’s waiting for your village road to be fixed, or for a decent public clinic nearby, this kind of news makes you wonder: Who is urban development really for?

Anyway, that’s my take. If this kind of governance talk matters to you, check out more at puneripages.in. Let’s keep the conversation going.

— Written by someone who lives here and cares about how it’s run.