Pune, a city already renowned for its intellectual capital and industrial prowess, is now set to elevate its status significantly on the national stage. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR) into a national-level growth hub. This strategic initiative, formulated in line with the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog’s guidelines, focuses on core sectors like advanced technology, precision manufacturing, quality education, and crucial green mobility solutions. This comprehensive approach aims not only to boost the regional economy but also to lay the groundwork for a zero net carbon, eco-friendly urban landscape.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will be the primary funding agency for this monumental undertaking. Concurrently, the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (Yashada), a key institution for human resource development and official training in Maharashtra, has been tasked with preparing the detailed planning framework. This multi-agency collaboration underscores the integrated approach being adopted to ensure the successful implementation of this vision, emphasising coordinated efforts for a sustainable future.
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While the Central government initially proposed 14 growth hubs in the 2024 Union Budget, including major cities like Mumbai, Surat, Vizag, and Varanasi, Pune is now actively being prepared for inclusion in this prestigious list. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar emphasised Pune’s inherent strengths, citing its robust information technology (IT) sector, ongoing infrastructure projects like the metro and ring road, established industrial corridors, and world-class education and healthcare facilities. These existing advantages provide a solid foundation for the city’s aspirations to become a leading hub for innovation and sustainable development.
Yashada’s mandate extends to crafting a comprehensive economic development plan for the entire PMR. This plan will then be rigorously implemented by local governing bodies such as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the PMRDA, with the divisional commissioner overseeing the progress to ensure seamless coordination and timely execution. With a current gross income of ₹4.2 lakh crore, Pune is projecting to generate an additional 15 to 18 lakh jobs by 2030. Significantly, this includes a commitment to creating 6 lakh job opportunities specifically for women, fostering a more gender-neutral and equitable urban workforce and promoting inclusive economic growth. A high-level review meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is anticipated soon at Yashada to finalise the next steps and ensure inter-agency synergy.
Future growth areas under this hub model are strategically chosen to align with global trends and sustainable practices. These include cutting-edge sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electric Vehicles (EVs), clean technology, and semiconductors, all contributing to a greener economy. Existing industrial clusters in Chakan, Talegaon, and Ranjangaon are slated for further strengthening and expansion, which will undoubtedly contribute to the city’s green manufacturing capabilities and foster advanced industrial development.
Leveraging its impressive network of over 800 higher education institutions, Pune is set to be positioned as a ‘skilling-export’ city, providing a skilled workforce not just locally but also globally. The plan also embraces the development of heritage and agrotourism, spiritual tourism, and adventure zones, diversifying the city’s economic portfolio while preserving its cultural and natural assets. Crucially, the city will prioritise improving the ease of doing business, streamlining skills’ certification processes, and actively attracting both start-ups and foreign investment, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic economic ecosystem for its sustainable future. This holistic approach aims to make Pune a beacon of balanced economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
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