Pune clears Rs 426 crore for Hinjewadi roads, Metro links and drainage

Pune has approved Rs 426 crore for infrastructure improvements in Hinjewadi IT Park after more than 5,000 IT professionals and residents took part in a silent protest over poor roads, traffic congestion and inadequate civic services.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi, who heads the state-appointed task force for the Hinjewadi area, said the amount was approved on Friday and that infrastructure works would be completed within one and a half years.

“A total of Rs 426 crore was approved for taking up infrastructure work in Hinjewadi IT Park area on Friday. All infrastructure works will be completed in one and half years time while priority works will be completed before next monsoon,” Dudi said.

The sanctioned amount will be used for improvements to existing roads, construction of pathways, last-mile connectivity to the Metro and storm-water drainage, among other works.

Dudi said the task force would coordinate the activities of different government agencies involved in the IT hub.

“I have set a deadline of one and half years for completing all infrastructure related works. But for the priority works, the deadline is before next monsoon,” he said.

The funding announcement came as IT professionals and local residents marched through Hinjewadi on Sunday to highlight the condition of the area.

The protesters raised concerns about pothole-ridden roads, perennial traffic congestion, inadequate water supply, poor waste management and unreliable power supply.

The silent march began at Infosys Circle in Hinjawadi Phase-1 and proceeded through the IT hub. It was organised by the Forum for IT Employees along with residents’ and housing associations.

Protesters also called for land acquisition for pending projects, construction of new roads, immediate operationalisation of the Maan-Shivajinagar Metro line and greater deployment of traffic police.

They also identified bottlenecks at Wakad Flyover, Bhumkar Chowk, Punawale and Tathawade underpasses.

The infrastructure challenge in Hinjewadi involves several agencies, including MIDC, PMRDA and other civic and transport authorities. The task force is intended to improve coordination between them.

The Rs 426 crore package is therefore aimed not only at road repairs but also at improving pedestrian access, Metro connectivity and drainage in the fast-growing employment hub.