Pune: IT Professionals Demand Merger With PMC or PCMC, #UNCLOG_Hinjawadi_IT_Park Gains Momentum

Hinjawadi, June 23, 2025: A massive online petition launched by citizens and IT professionals has brought renewed focus to the growing infrastructure crisis in Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi. Spearheaded by Sachin Londhe of the Wakad-Pimpri Chinchwad Residents Development and Welfare Association, the petition demands the immediate merger of Hinjawadi and Maan villages with either the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) or Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

The campaign, launched under the hashtag #UNCLOG_Hinjawadi_IT_Park, highlights years of neglected civic planning, unmanageable traffic, pothole-ridden roads, and chronic waterlogging—issues that continue to affect lakhs of commuters and residents in and around Hinjawadi.

“We are not asking for luxuries—we are asking for our basic right to a decent quality of life,” said Londhe, who initiated the petition on Change.org. “It’s been over two decades of poor governance. It’s time for action, not excuses.”

A Daily Struggle in a Global Tech Hub

Despite being home to one of India’s largest IT corridors spanning 2,800 acres, Hinjawadi remains mired in civic challenges. Residents and commuters from areas such as Wakad, Baner, Bavdhan, Chinchwad, Pimple Saudagar, Bhosari, Katraj, and even Talegaon face hours of congestion due to neglected roadways and overlapping jurisdiction between MIDC, PMRDA, PWD, and local Gram Panchayats.

“It takes nearly two hours to cover just 10 kilometers from Wakad to Phase 2,” Londhe said. “Roads are dug up, waterlogged, or simply unpassable. We feel completely abandoned.”

Key Demands: Merge and Reform Governance

The petition calls for the administrative merger of Hinjawadi, Maan, and surrounding areas with either PMC or PCMC, citing the inefficiencies of the current Gram Panchayat governance model.

“There is no single authority taking ownership. A merger would enable proper urban planning, integrated infrastructure, and clear accountability,” said Londhe.

Proposed Infrastructure Solutions

The petition doesn’t just highlight issues—it offers detailed, citizen-backed solutions including:

• Flyovers and underpasses at Laxmi Chowk, Wipro Circle, and Bhumkar Chowk
• Improved PMPML bus services and last-mile metro connectivity
• Intelligent traffic management systems with adaptive signals
• Year-round road and drainage maintenance to prevent flooding
• Proper street lighting and pedestrian infrastructure
• Waste management and Smart City integrations

Economic Fallout Looms

Londhe warns that if left unaddressed, the situation could lead to:

• A decline in investor confidence in Maharashtra’s IT sector
• Relocation of tech firms to cities with better infrastructure
• Brain drain due to poor living and commuting conditions
• Drop in productivity and rising health issues among professionals
• Reputational damage to Maharashtra’s image as a tech-friendly state

“Global firms are quietly shifting operations to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and even Noida. If Hinjawadi collapses, it will be a massive economic blow to Maharashtra,” Londhe emphasized.

Workplace Policy Recommendations

The petition also proposes employee-friendly policies to IT companies:

• Hybrid/remote work mandates during monsoon months
• Carpool cab systems organized by companies
• Staggered exit timings to reduce traffic congestion

Direct Appeal to Maharashtra Government

The petition is addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with copies sent to ministers from Urban Development, PWD, MIDC, PMRDA, and local representatives. Londhe and his association have also requested a personal meeting with the Chief Minister to present their proposals.

“We believe in your vision of a developed Maharashtra, Mr. Chief Minister,” said Londhe. “But Hinjawadi cannot be left behind.”

The petition has already garnered thousands of signatures on Change.org and continues to gain momentum on social media under the hashtag #UNCLOG_Hinjawadi_IT_Park. You can join by clicking on https://www.change.org/UNCLOG_Hinjawadi_IT_Park  or scan the QR code.