Sarasbaug Chowpatty Redevelopment Scrapped
• Sarasbaug Food Plaza Project Cancelled
• PMC Cancels ₹22 Crore Sarasbaug Chowpatty Plan
• Urban Planning Hurdles Halt PMC’s Tourist Spot Initiative
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
- Sarasbaug Chowpatty Redevelopment Scrapped
- • Sarasbaug Food Plaza Project Cancelled
- • PMC Cancels ₹22 Crore Sarasbaug Chowpatty Plan
- • Urban Planning Hurdles Halt PMC’s Tourist Spot Initiative
- Pune’s Iconic Sarasbaug Chowpatty Redevelopment Project Scrapped by PMC
- Chronology of a Stalled Urban Redevelopment Project
- Road Designation Halts Multi-Crore Development Plans
- Features of the Scrapped Sarasbaug Chowpatty Plan
The Pune Municipal Corporation has scrapped the redevelopment of Sarasbaug Chowpatty after discovering the land is officially designated as a road, making the project unviable. This cancels all approved plans and tenders for the multi-crore food plaza, halting a project meant to modernize the iconic tourist spot.
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Pune’s Iconic Sarasbaug Chowpatty Redevelopment Project Scrapped by PMC
In a significant administrative reversal, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has shelved its ambitious plan to redevelop the iconic Sarasbaug Chowpatty. The project, initially modeled after Mumbai’s famous food plazas, has been abandoned after officials determined the proposed land is officially designated as a road. This decision nullifies a previously approved architectural plan and a tendering process already initiated by the civic body.
The abrupt cancellation has raised questions about urban planning and due diligence within the municipal administration. The project, which saw its estimated cost balloon from ₹8 crore to over ₹22 crore, is now officially on hold indefinitely. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has begun examining the procedural lapses that led to this costly and embarrassing impasse for the PMC.
Chronology of a Stalled Urban Redevelopment Project
The Sarasbaug Chowpatty is a major tourist and local attraction, renowned for its food stalls and proximity to the historic Sarasbaug Ganpati temple and Peshwe Park. In 2019, the state government awarded it a special status for being a “clean place to get good food.” The redevelopment initiative gained momentum over two years ago following anti-encroachment drives aimed at clearing illegal structures in the area.
The PMC’s architecture department subsequently commissioned new designs for a modern, two-story food plaza. One design was initially approved, then suddenly halted. A revised plan was then officially sanctioned by the PMC’s estimation committee in December 2023, paving the way for the project’s execution.
Road Designation Halts Multi-Crore Development Plans
Despite clearing all procedural hurdles, the project was delayed due to the model code of conduct for state assembly elections. The civic administration eventually floated tenders for the construction, moving significantly close to breaking ground. A crucial meeting was held several months ago to finalize the project’s commencement.
It was in this meeting that the PMC’s Road Department delivered the fatal blow to the project. Officials pointed out that the land in question is categorically classified as a “road” in the city’s development plan. Using this land for a permanent commercial structure like a food plaza would be a violation of urban planning norms, forcing the administration to cancel the entire proposal.
Also Read: Railway Inspectors Accused of Harassment and Extortion of Mumbai Student.
Features of the Scrapped Sarasbaug Chowpatty Plan
The envisioned redevelopment project promised a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the visitor experience significantly. The plan included 78 stalls distributed across two levels—54 on the ground floor and 24 on the first floor. The design also featured attractive lighting, vibrant color schemes, and dedicated seating areas for customers.
To address persistent parking issues in the crowded area, a key component of the project was an underground parking facility with a capacity for 200 vehicles. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) reports that the cancellation has disappointed stakeholders who were anticipating improved amenities and hygiene standards. The PMC administration now faces scrutiny for the resources expended on a project that was fundamentally unviable from a town planning perspective. A review of the initial planning stages is considered likely, as confirmed by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT).
