Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Pune Road Tender Dispute Escalates After Alleged Threat
A road project in Pune has led to a disagreement between a local politician and a city official.
The project is expected to cost nearly ₹90 crore.
It would create another route between Sangamwadi Bridge and Bund Garden.
Eight companies competed to build the road.
The bidding process was delayed for several months.
One company offered to build it for 12% less than the estimated cost.
The city commissioner approved that cheaper offer.
A BJP MLA allegedly threatened the commissioner with an atrocity case after the decision.
A nearly ₹90-crore Wellesley Road project has triggered a dispute between a BJP MLA and Pune Municipal Corporation Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.
The planned 2-km road would connect Sangamwadi Bridge with Bund Garden along the Mula-Mutha river.
Eight contractors submitted bids after tenders were invited in December 2025, but the process was delayed for six to seven months.
The contractor allegedly targeted for disqualification submitted the lowest bid, 12% below the estimate, compared with 1% below by the contractor reportedly favoured by the MLA.
The MLA allegedly threatened to file an atrocity case against Ram after he approved the lowest bid, which officials estimated would save ₹8.5-9 crore.
- Who
- Pune Municipal Corporation Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and an unnamed Bharatiya Janata Party MLA are at the centre of the dispute.
- What
- A road tender dispute reportedly led to an alleged threat to file an atrocity case against the commissioner.
- When
- Tenders were invited in December 2025; the process was delayed for six to seven months before the financial bids were opened.
- Where
- Pune, on the proposed Wellesley Road between Sangamwadi Bridge and Bund Garden along the Mula-Mutha river.
- Why
- The dispute reportedly arose after the commissioner approved the lowest bid, which was 12% below the estimate and was expected to save ₹8.5-9 crore.
- Project
- Proposed Wellesley Road along the Mula-Mutha river
- Estimated value
- Nearly ₹90 crore
- Planned length and width
- 2 kilometres long and 17 metres wide
- Bidders
- Eight contractors submitted bids
- Lowest bid
- 12% below the estimated cost
- Competing bid
- The contractor allegedly favoured by the MLA quoted 1% below the estimate
- Estimated savings
- Approximately ₹8.5-9 crore