India, April 30 -- A controversy has erupted over the appointment of a consultant for the proposed Balbharati-Paud Phata Road project after questions were raised over the cost of a tender floated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for obtaining environmental clearance.

The PMC recently approved a tender worth Rs.1.51 crore for appointing a consultant for the project. However, citizens and activists alleged that the earlier estimated cost for the same work was around Rs.34 lakh and claimed that the amount had been significantly inflated.

Responding to the allegations, additional municipal commissioner Omprakash Diwate said there was confusion regarding the proposal. "The project involves four stages and the total cost for all stages...