The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been adjudged the best-performing municipal corporation in Maharashtra during the 100-day programme mid-term review. This initiative, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, assesses the progress of municipal corporations and other field offices across the state. The review, held in Mumbai on February 27, was chaired by CM Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, with Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik and other senior state and field-level bureaucrats in attendance.

Among the 22 municipal corporations evaluated, six were shortlisted based on their performance and presentations by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA). From these, the Principal Secretary, Urban Development-2, selected PCMC and Thane to present their achievements before the CM and DCMs. Following the final evaluation, PCMC secured the first rank, with Thane coming second.

PCMC’s success is attributed to its focused efforts in multiple areas, including digital governance, infrastructure improvements, sanitation, office waste disposal, innovation and public grievance redressal.

One key initiative was the launch of a fully accessible website that complies with the highest accessibility standards, ensuring ease of use for persons with disabilities. The website now provides real-time updates, 100% RTI compliance and enhanced access to citizen services, promoting transparency and efficiency. It has also been integrated with DigiLocker, the Aaple Sarkar Portal and the IGR website to provide seamless, integrated services.

Traffic management was another priority, with PCMC identifying 25 key junctions plagued by congestion. Of these, nine junctions, including Mukai Chowk, were improved using a data-driven approach involving traffic simulations and PCU analysis. Engineering measures, such as dedicated turning lanes and speed-calming features, along with non-engineering solutions like bus stop relocations, are being introduced to improve vehicular flow and pedestrian safety.

Sanitation and public hygiene are also seeing significant advancements, with PCMC focusing on the development of model toilets at seven major city entry points, including Nashik Phata, Mukai Chowk and Pimpri Main Market. These facilities will feature amenities like PwD-friendly features, 24x7 surveillance, sanitary pad dispensers and trained caretakers, ensuring better hygiene standards. Maintenance of these toilets is receiving special attention to ensure cleanliness and functionality. Additionally, the corporation worked on disposing of outdated office waste, including condemned heavy vehicles and machinery, generating revenue while streamlining waste collection processes.

PCMC also strengthened public grievance redressal mechanisms by enhancing platforms like Lokshahi Din and Jansamvad and linking them to a unified complaint ticketing system. The introduction of AI-based grievance management has helped in better categorisation, prioritisation, and resolution of complaints, reducing response time to an average of 15.7 days. With 100% compliance on grievance redressal portals, the city has set a benchmark in citizen engagement.

Access to clean drinking water and sanitation was another focus area. PCMC is installing drinking water facilities across offices, schools and hospitals while enforcing strict hygiene protocols for 152 office toilets, including mandatory cleaning and regular inspections.

Government offices and public spaces are being modernised with developments like waiting areas, queue management systems and Braille-enabled signage. These initiatives aim to improve accessibility and streamline public service delivery.

Commenting on this achievement, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “PCMC has set a high standard, and we will continue striving for impactful solutions that improve the lives of our citizens. With the final 100-day review scheduled for April, the mid-term evaluation award has increased our responsibility. We are determined to maintain our top position in the final review by addressing existing gaps and ensuring the successful implementation of all planned initiatives to provide good governance to the citizens of the city.”