Nagpur: After months of uncertainty and legal hurdles, work on the long-delayed Futala Fountain project has regained momentum, but the finish line remains uncertain.

At the scenic Futala Lake, activity is now in full swing as Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation pushes ahead with restoration and new installations aimed at transforming the popular spot into a major attraction.

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Officials confirmed that the removal of old, damaged fountain cables has begun, marking a crucial phase in the revival effort. Nearly 80% of the new cable infrastructure required for the upgraded system has already been procured.

The earlier setup had suffered significant damage due to pollution in the lake, leaving the fountain non-functional for an extended period.

However, the project’s pace is now being dictated by an international bottleneck. A specialised technical team from France, key to executing advanced lighting and projection systems, has been unable to reach India due to disruptions linked to the ongoing Gulf conflict.

“We are waiting for the French team. Travel issues have delayed their arrival, but we have been assured they will reach via an alternate route soon,” a Metro official said.

Artificial Banyan tree takes shape

Alongside the fountain, work on a visually striking artificial banyan tree is progressing rapidly. The structure’s outer facade is nearing completion, with its 3D formation expected to be ready within days.

Once completed, officials plan to conduct a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey to map the structure digitally. The collected data will then be integrated into a projection system, a process that will again require the expertise of the French team for final testing and calibration.

Floating stage nears completion

Adding to the lakefront’s transformation, a floating stage, envisioned as a hub for cultural performances, is also in its final stages.

Despite visible progress on multiple fronts, officials remain cautious about committing to a completion date, citing dependence on the arrival and execution timeline of international experts.

The Futala project has had a turbulent journey.

In January 2024, the Supreme Court of India ordered a status quo, effectively halting all work and pushing the project into limbo. It wasn’t until October 2025 that the court allowed activities to resume, forcing authorities to restart several components from scratch.