6 days Ago By Nisha Nambiar
Pune: Relief could finally be on the way for industries and tech companies in Hinjewadi MIDC with PMRDA deciding to fast-track key infrastructure projects in the area. In a meeting earlier this week, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) commissioner Yogesh Mhase assured representatives of Hinjewadi Industries Association (HIA) that the development of the Metro station, new road networks, and other civic amenities would be taken up on priority. A key issue highlighted during the meeting was the worsening traffic congestion in and around Hinjewadi.
IT association representatives stressed how daily gridlocks, particularly during peak hours, severely affected employee commute and overall productivity. The absence of efficient public transport and last-mile connectivity has only compounded the problem, the association members stated. In addition to traffic woes, participants flagged other long-standing issues such as inadequate internal roads, unregulated parking, rampant encroachments, and poor monsoon preparedness.
Despite being one of Pune's most prominent industrial and IT corridors, Hinjewadi continues to face basic civic challenges hindering its growth. Pavanjit Mane, a member of the Forum for IT Employees who attended the meeting, said that their demands are basic, and it is the govt's responsibility to execute the work at the earliest. "We are requesting the state industries minister to visit the area rather than just discuss in closed rooms.
They have to actually visit the spots to understand our plight," he said. He further added that even after the Metro starts operating, it will only solve 10-20% of traffic snarls in the area. He emphasised on the need for internal roads and connecting roads from Mhalunge to Hinjewadi.
"These are currently in very bad shape. There are multiple agencies involved, and a common person has to run from one office to another to resolve the issues. It is difficult to follow up with all the agencies,'' he said.
He added that unlike other Metro cities, PMRDA needs to focus on the last-mile connectivity to reduce traffic congestion. Responding to the concerns, commissioner Mhase said, "We are taking concrete steps to address the issues raised in the Hinjewadi area. Once the Hinjewadi Metro station work is completed, the remaining sections will be expedited.
New road projects are being planned to improve connectivity within the industrial belt, and strict action will be taken against encroachments. Pre-monsoon instructions have also been issued to all relevant departments." The meeting signals a renewed push by PMRDA to not just listen but act on the needs of the area's industrial ecosystem.
For companies operating in Hinjewadi—home to some of the biggest names in IT and manufacturing—the promise of improved infrastructure could bring much-needed relief, according to another regular commuter. After years of stalled projects and unmet promises, industry stakeholders are hopeful that this time, with PMRDA's active involvement, the development work will finally translate from drawing boards to the ground, said an association member. The high-level meeting, chaired by Mhase earlier this week, brought together office-bearers of HIA, officials from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), PMRDA chief engineer Rinaj Pathan, and representatives from leading IT companies operating in the region.
The session saw a candid discussion around the multiple infrastructure challenges that have long plagued the area—despite repeated appeals by local stakeholders..
