The Pune Municipal Corporation has approved a Rs 32.4 million (mn) beautification project for the Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Memorial in the Deccan area. The plan covers construction of a stone canopy, redesign and beautification of the underground passage and related development works around the memorial. The Standing Committee granted approval, the chairman Shrinath Bhimale informed.

The civic body's Building Department will oversee execution and the contract has been awarded to Mahimna Construction Private Limited. The company submitted a tender of Rs 27.4 mn, which was three point nine per cent higher than the estimated cost. Including GST, material testing charges and other expenses, the total project cost reaches Rs 32.44 mn.

Officials clarified that any future escalation in prices and rates will be met separately by the civic body. The project estimate had been prepared at Rs 31.2 mn and was approved by the Technical Scrutiny Committee on 20 November 2025. A tender process for work valued at Rs 26.3 mn was initiated before a re-tender was issued on 14 February 2026.

The tender exercise was conducted between 25 March and three April 2026 and bids were scrutinised before the contractor was finalised. Under the project, a stone architectural canopy will be built within the memorial premises and the underground passage will be redesigned to improve access and aesthetics. Additional development works are planned to enhance the surrounding area and visitor experience.

Bhimale said the initiative seeks to preserve and enhance the historical and cultural importance of the Deccan area through conservation and beautification of the memorial. The civic body expects the works to reinforce the site as a local landmark and improve public amenities.