When the PMC staff-politician nexus was exposed

Civic elections

The civic elections that brought the NCP to power once again was special this year with more than 50 per cent members coming to power due to reservation for women. This, jointly with the panel system, spelled doom for established politicians who had to make way for new ones. The NCP re-established its supremacy for the second time. The civic poll also showed the growing strength of Raj Thackeray-led MNS that emerged the second largest party and become the main opposition. The elections signalled the debacle of already hurt Congress, along with the Shiv Sena.

Metro rail

The public transport project failed to gain momentum even as the traffic situation continued to worsen with more private vehicles hitting the roads. But the year held out some hope as the proposal finally got clearance from the local civic body. The state government, too, began the process for setting up a special purpose vehicle to start work on the project.

The two routes from Vanaz to Kharadi and Swargate to Pimpri-Chinchwad were approved by the elected representatives, bringing an end to the argument over going underground or elevated.

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