PMPML gets additional FSI for depots

The general body (GB) of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Monday passed a resolution to allow 2.5 FSI (floor space index: the ratio of permissible construction on a plot of land) for redevelopment of plots reserved for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML).

The proposal is based on a letter by the then chairman and managing director (CMD) of PMPML, Dilip Band, on August 2, 2010. The proposal was to include an appendix in the development control rules under section 37(1) of Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966.

Due to approval of the proposal by the GB on Monday, the process of changing rules has started.

Municipal commissioner Mahesh Pathak, who is also the director of PMPML, said that public transport bodies in urban areas are normally not making profit because they have to fulfill social obligations. Also, the transport utility can not increase fare every time the cost of fuel increases.

Hence, the losses of the PMPML could be covered by exploiting its property. PMPML has 18 depots, some of them spread over 5 acres.

BJP corporator Anil Shirole opposed the proposal, saying increase in FSI would lead to congestion in the city. NCP corporator Nilesh Nikam said that since PMPML is the lifeline of the city, it should be allowed additional FSI.