The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is embarking on a transformative journey to enhance urban mobility and development with its new Local Area Plan (LAP) for areas within 500 meters of four key metro stations: Vanaz, Swargate, Pune railway station, and Ramnagar-Baner. This initiative aims to foster transit-oriented development (TOD) by integrating higher floor space index (FSI) and other strategic measures, paving the way for a sustainable and vibrant urban landscape.
What is the Local Area Plan (LAP)?
The LAP is a comprehensive strategy developed under the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). It focuses on combining city-level mobility with neighborhood-level accessibility and improvement. This holistic approach aims to rejuvenate urban areas through natural renewal or planned redevelopment, encouraging both commercial and residential activities around metro stations.
Key Features of the LAP
1. Higher Floor Space Index (FSI):
The PMC proposes providing additional FSI around the designated metro stations to stimulate growth and attract investments. This move is expected to encourage the development of high-rise buildings, promoting efficient land use and accommodating a growing population.
2. Incentives for Redevelopment:
Property owners and developers will receive incentives to convert residential properties into commercial spaces. This will create a dynamic urban environment, boosting business activities and enhancing the city’s economic landscape.
3. Promotion of Public Transport:
To discourage the use of private vehicles, the LAP will limit parking facilities and promote metro feeder services and other forms of public transport. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, making public transport the preferred mode of travel.
4. Slum Development:
The PMC plans to develop slum areas within the LAP regions, creating more commercial space and improving living conditions. This redevelopment will free up valuable land for new projects, contributing to the city’s overall development.
5. Sustainable Living Conditions:
The LAP aims to provide sustainable living conditions for residents in the metro station areas. By integrating green spaces, improving infrastructure, and enhancing accessibility, the PMC envisions a high quality of life for its citizens.
Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement
Shreedhar Yeolekar, Superintendent-Engineer of the PMC’s Building Permission and Development Department, emphasized the alignment of the LAP objectives with the PMC’s city-level vision and Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP). Consultants have already started work on the LAP, divided into two packages, with a 10-month deadline for completion.
The LAP will be discussed with key stakeholders, and suggestions from these discussions will be incorporated into the final draft. The draft LAP, along with detailed drawings, will be submitted to the PMC for publication, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the planning process.
Conclusion
The PMC’s Local Area Plan around the Vanaz, Swargate, Pune railway station, and Ramnagar-Baner metro stations is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at fostering transit-oriented development. By leveraging higher FSI, providing incentives for redevelopment, promoting public transport, and improving living conditions, the PMC is setting the stage for a sustainable and vibrant urban future.
Stay updated on the latest developments in Pune’s urban transformation and learn how the LAP will shape the city’s landscape, making it a model of sustainable urban development.