With heavy rains paralysing Pune’s Hinjewadi suburb, IT employees have demanded remote working options, citing severe traffic congestion and safety concerns.
Hinjewadi, home to several leading tech firms, has seen traffic gridlocks worsen as torrential pre-monsoon showers continue to lash the city. Over three lakh people commute daily to the area, which houses some of India’s largest IT parks. With the India Meteorological Department issuing orange and yellow alerts for the region, the Forum of IT Employees (FITE) has urged companies to consider work-from-home (WFH) options. “Under these conditions, WFH is the most logical option that should be explored,” said Pavanjit Mane, FITE representative. He added that daily commutes are taking over two hours due to waterlogged roads and ongoing infrastructure work.
Tech workers say the narrow entry and exit points of the IT park, already under strain, have become nearly impassable during peak hours. The situation is aggravated in the evenings as thousands leave offices simultaneously. Despite existing company-run transport, most employees rely on personal vehicles, which adds to the chaos. “Due to the Metro construction, we’re stuck for hours on the road,” said Ketki, a software engineer based in Pune. “The delays affect productivity. Companies should allow WFH, at least for the rainy season.” Traffic congestion has long been a problem in Hinjewadi, worsened by rapid residential construction in the area to accommodate the growing IT workforce. Leaders including Baramati MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar have promised improved road infrastructure, but ground-level relief remains elusive.
Several IT firms in Bengaluru have already permitted remote work to employees facing similar challenges amid ongoing rains. Pune’s tech workforce is now calling for a similar move.
