2 weeks Ago By Ardhra Nair
Pune: Employee unions in one of the country's largest IT and industrial hubs say they are frustrated by the lack of infrastructure development and have a simple demand from candidates in the upcoming assembly election — better roads. The Federation of Chakan Industries represents over 3,000 units that employ more than 15 lakh workers, operating in an area often hailed as the cradle of Indian vehicles. The Mulshi Industrial Association, Hinjawadi Industries Association and Hinjewadi's Forum for IT Employees (FITE) together represent the voices of over 5 lakh workers.
Their demand? The right to get to work and back without wasting hours on end in traffic jams on crumbling roads. FITE Maharashtra coordinator Pavanjeet Mane highlighted the critical issue of poor road infrastructure in the Hinjewadi IT Park, home to around 200 companies. "The roads are in terrible condition.
They have long exceeded their capacity. Some of the biggest names in IT and ancillary industries operate here, yet the security measures on these roads are pathetic. There are no CCTVs at key junctions.
Around 40% of employees are women," Mane said. He criticised the lack of planning around the Metro project, which, while touted as a solution to traffic congestion, lacks essential last-mile connectivity. "I have been working here since 2004.
The problems have only worsened in the last 20 years. Our only demand is better and safer transport facilities," he said. Dilip Batwal, secretary of the Federation of Chakan Industries, did not hold back while accusing govt of neglect towards a region that generates significant employment and revenue.
"It takes two to three hours to travel 30km because of traffic jams. The elected representative must fix this on priority. The roads are in deplorable shape," he said.
Batwal also pointed out the impact of frequent power outages and fluctuations on industries. "Power failures and fluctuations reduce productivity, damage materials in furnaces and destroy expensive machinery components. The party that forms govt must solve this issue on priority," he said.
The lack of security, especially at night, is also a serious concern, said representatives. Mulshi has over 250 manufacturing companies, most of which work round the clock. Their employees cited the same cycle of problems.
"The Mulshi industrial area suffers from frequent and prolonged power outages. It severely affects production and increases operational costs. Roads leading to and within the industrial area are in poor condition, causing transportation delays and additional wear and tear on vehicles.
Their poor quality hampers timely movement of raw materials and finished goods, impacting business operations and logistics. It is also impacting the mental and physical health of our employees," said Satish Karanjkar, president of the Mulshi Industrial Association. The association rued lack of govt support and security measures.
Members of the association said that if govt fails to address the problems, many industries are even leaning towards shifting out. Apart from better roads, the Hinjawadi Industries Association also wants cohesive governance. At present, the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park falls under multiple local bodies — Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune Municipal Corporation, the Zilla Parishad and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority.
"It is high time the entire area comes under a single administrative body. It would streamline the process of reporting and resolving issues and creating accountability. At present, each authority blames the other for lack of progress," said Yogesh Joshi, vice president of the association.
NIPM Pimpri Chinchwad and Chakan chapter chairman Navanath Suryawanshi, who also works with an auto giant, stressed the urgency of retaining existing companies while attracting new industries to the area. "The candidate's manifesto should include reducing high electricity supply charges. Industries here pay more than in other states.
Many companies want to set up units here, but high electricity costs are a deterrent," Suryawanshi said, adding, "There should also be a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of arm-twisting or intimidation by local goons, mathadi workers, or politicians to ensure the safety of employees.".
