Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni has strongly criticised Pune's deteriorating infrastructure, highlighting issues such as pothole-ridden roads, traffic congestion, inadequate water supply, etc. She remarked that due to these persistent problems, Pune can no longer be considered a livable city.
"The problem of traffic congestion is becoming serious. Narrow roads, an increasing number of vehicles, poor planning by the road department while constructing roads, and negligence of municipal officials towards their work are making the situation worse and are seriously affecting the lives of citizens. The common Punekar is suffering due to traffic jams at intersections, and it takes more time to travel from one part of the city to another than it takes to reach Mumbai from Pune," said Kulkarni.
"The number of accidents on the roads is increasing. The municipal administration is ignoring inadequate water supply, waste management, sewage channels, and illegal tree felling. Illegal constructions are being carried out in many parts of the city, and environmental rules are being flouted for this. The number of accidents is increasing at Gangadham Chowk in Gultekdi, Market Yard — why are the necessary measures not being taken? A few years ago, a flyover was proposed to be built to reduce the number of accidents at this intersection. However, no action is being taken on it," the former Kothrud MLA added.
She also declared her opposition to the Riverfront Development Project (RFD). "I will oppose everything that will harm the environment and waste the funds of Punekars," she said.
Kulkarni was recently in the news after she demanded the renaming of Pune Railway Station after Shrimant Thorle Bajirao Peshwa. However, her demand was met with opposition from several quarters, with many urging it be named after the reformist Phule couple instead.
