When Will Pune’s IT Hub Overcome Its Persistent Infrastructure Challenges?
When Will Pune’s IT Hub Overcome Its Persistent Infrastructure Challenges?
Despite powering Maharashtra’s economy, Hinjewadi’s IT Park struggles with basic amenities.
The Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi, Pune, one of India’s largest IT hubs, is facing severe infrastructure challenges that have plagued the area for over two decades.
This sprawling hub, spread over three phases, hosts around 400 IT and IT-enabled service companies contributing approximately 60% of Maharashtra’s IT exports. Despite its economic significance, the park remains marred by issues such as broken roads, erratic water supply, insufficient public transport, waste management concerns, and unreliable power supply, affecting the daily lives of over five lakh employees.
As the assembly elections approach, residents and employees hope for a commitment from the new MLA to address these problems. The park, which primarily falls under the Bhor assembly constituency, suffers from fragmented governance involving multiple authorities such as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and local Gram Panchayats. Locals feel this divided oversight has left the park as an afterthought in policymaking.
The rapid growth of the IT sector has spurred housing and real estate development across areas like Hinjewadi, Mahalunge, Maan, Marunji, Punewala, and Wakad, but local infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. Basic amenities like functional footpaths, efficient public transport, and adequate street lighting are still lacking. Traffic management remains chaotic, with no flyovers or pedestrian bridges, and the metro project fails to provide last-mile connectivity.
Additionally, safety concerns, particularly for women employees, persist. Residents have highlighted the need for CCTV cameras, better street lighting, and increased police presence to improve security.
With a legacy spanning over 25 years and a vital role in driving Maharashtra’s economy, the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park urgently requires focused attention to modernize its infrastructure and secure its future as a leading IT hub.
