Pune Metropolitan Region Growth Hub Launched 

Pune | August 2, 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Pune Metropolitan Region Growth Hub at Yashada in Pune, emphasizing Pune’s potential to lead in innovation and economic transformation. Speaking at the launch event organized jointly by the NITI Aayog, Government of Maharashtra, and Pune International Centre, Fadnavis highlighted that Pune is well-positioned to emerge as a powerhouse in new-age sectors with strategic planning and focused development.

“Today, no single city dominates any one sector. Many cities in Maharashtra are developing rapidly. But Pune has the unique potential to shape its own future by entering new sectors and becoming a hub of innovation,” said Fadnavis.

The Growth Hub initiative aims to prepare a detailed development blueprint for the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR), which will be created by the state government through PMRDA with support from Pune International Centre and guidance from NITI Aayog. The goal is to accelerate economic growth, improve quality of life, and align with the national vision of *India\@2047*.

Developing Skilled Manpower for Global Industries

Fadnavis stressed the importance of developing a strong talent pool to support industry. He noted that the central government has allowed foreign universities to set up campuses in India. In line with this, the Maharashtra government is developing *EduCity* in Navi Mumbai. Already, five renowned global universities have signed MoUs, and at least ten institutions are expected to open campuses there. This project is projected to generate ₹2,000 crore in GST and produce a skilled workforce, particularly for AI-driven industries.

Pune Set to Redefine Urban Growth

“Pune is both a manufacturing base and the Oxford of the East. The city’s skilled workforce attracts major investments and is crucial for AI-led development,” the Chief Minister said. He added that with proper planning, Pune’s per capita income can increase significantly. The Growth Hub initiative will provide sector-wise strategies, policy recommendations, and a futuristic development plan to transform the city’s economic landscape.

Fadnavis also pointed out that the upcoming Pune International Airport and Ring Road will inject ₹3 lakh crore worth of economic value into the regional economy. He emphasized the need to streamline bureaucratic processes and update policies to make Pune globally competitive.

Shinde: Growth Hub Will Benefit Urban and Rural Areas

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called the launch a “historic moment for Pune” and underlined the state government’s commitment to combining tradition, environment, and progress. He stated that Pune is a leader in sectors like technology, manufacturing, education, and healthcare, with vast potential in tourism as well. Shinde emphasized that the Growth Hub will not only boost the city but also benefit surrounding rural areas through integrated infrastructure development.

Shinde said Pune has the potential to become a global centre for skilled manpower, thanks to its robust academic ecosystem and thriving industries in IT, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and AI.

Roadmap to Double Pune’s Economy

NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam presented the Growth Hub framework and stressed the need for well-planned urban development to achieve India’s \$5 trillion economy goal. He revealed that the plan aims to double Pune’s current GDP of \$58 billion in the next five years. Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam are already part of the pilot phase, and now Pune joins this elite list.

Subrahmanyam noted that Pune’s strengths lie in auto manufacturing, IT, engineering R\&D, agriculture-based industries, SMEs, and education. He set a target of transforming Pune into a \$600 billion economy by 2047 with an annual growth rate of 10 percent.

Five Growth Hubs Across Maharashtra

Additional Chief Secretary Rajgopal Deora announced that after Mumbai and Pune, the state will develop Growth Hubs in Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nashik. He highlighted Pune’s academic edge and its potential to boost exports through skilled manpower. Local bodies, industries, and organizations will be involved in the planning process, and a formal MoU has been signed with Pune International Centre to support this initiative.

About the ‘Developing City Regions as Growth Hubs’ Initiative

Launched by NITI Aayog in 2023, the Developing City Regions as Growth Hubs initiative focuses on accelerating economic activity, enhancing urban lifestyles, and promoting sustainability. Pune is now the fifth metropolitan region to be included, and its master plan will be the first in India to align with the long-term national economic vision of India\@2047.

Dignitaries Present

The event saw participation from Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase, and several MLAs, commissioners, and senior officials from the administration and industry.

With the launch of the Pune Metropolitan Region Growth Hub, the city is now on a mission to become a global economic and innovation leader, backed by a strategic vision and a collaborative approach involving government, industry, and academia.