University of Pune's main building restoration faces delay

The much-touted restoration work of the main building of the University of Pune is stuck over difference of opinion between the chancellor-appointed experts and the monitoring agency.

Addressing the senate on Saturday, vice chancellor Raghunath Shevgaonkar said, “The renovation work started in 2008 and was expected to be completed within one year.”

However, the renovation was complicated as the Gothic structure was a heritage building, he said. Three contractors were appointed, of whom two have done their work, while the third is yet to complete it.

He said there were some issues between the building works committee and the monitoring agency appointed for the restoration work. This has led to further delay in completion of the work.

Although five to six meetings between them have been held, nothing has worked out.

The university has spent over Rs8 crore on the project. With the delay in the work, the cost of the project is escalating. The senate members said the structure holds a special place in the hearts of all. They said the chancellor should be impressed with the urgency of expediting the work.

If that does not work, the university should spend the money on construction of a new building, rather than wasting money on escalating costs, the senate members said. Two senate members had raised the issue.

The main building was constructed between 1864 and 1871. Architect James Trubshawe made the design for the Gothic structure, which has a 100-ft high tower. It was the
residence of Sir Bartle Frere, the then governor of Bombay.