Pune: The construction of the multi-level car parking project on Lloyd Road in Pune Cantonment may have started in 2018, but has remained incomplete ever since. The situation may change now with a private contractor expressing willingness to resume and complete the balance works, subject to assurance on pending operational and financial issues.During a recent meeting of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), members considered two communications received from the contractor in April and May. The company said it was prepared to recommence work at the earliest, provided the board assured full cooperation and guaranteed that issues — including delays in payments and operational constraints — which had stalled the project previously would not recur.PCB chief executive officer Vidyadhar Pawar confirmed the development. “The project is crucial since it will generate significant revenue for the board and address traffic congestion on the busy roads — including East Street and MG Road. The company has communicated its willingness. We had a thorough discussion about it in the general body meeting and are evaluating modalities to ensure smooth progress of the work,” Pawar told TOI.
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The company has sought revision of certain contractual provisions due to the delay in execution, according to documents placed before the PCB. The company has demanded price escalation compensation under applicable govt rules, reimbursement of fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate for imported components since 2018 and additional financial provisions of about Rs4 crore for protective facade works, firefighting infrastructure, road restoration and beautification.The contractor told the Board that approximately 30% of the project’s components are imported and the delay had significantly altered the financial viability of the original contract.The PCB engineering department examined the proposal and estimated that the total amount required to complete the project would be Rs13.4 crore. The department also assessed the escalation cost attributed to price rise and currency fluctuations at approximately Rs1.9 crore.PCB members acknowledged during the deliberations that the delay in completing the project was linked to the board’s persisting financial constraints. “While the board agreed in principle to consider escalation-related claims, it decided that additional works such as facade construction, firefighting systems and beautification would be taken up separately through fresh sanctions and competitive bidding processes,” said a senior official.Ultimately, the PCB resolved to direct the company to restart and complete the balance construction work strictly as per the existing work order and contract agreement. Simultaneously, it decided to forward a revised proposal to the competent authority seeking approval for the additional works, said officials.The contractor has assured that once mutual agreement is reached on the outstanding issues, it would complete the project within nine months.The delay has drawn criticism from residents and commuters seeing the incomplete structure stand unused for years. “The PCB needs modern parking infrastructure, but taxpayers cannot be made to wait indefinitely. Authorities must ensure strict timelines and transparency this time,” said resident and activist Murtuza Poonawala.“Traffic congestion and parking shortages have worsened over the years. If the project resumes, citizens would expect it to be completed without further delays or cost overruns,” said an Army officer.
