Maharashtra has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish an “Innovation City” between the cities of Pune and Mumbai, signalling a major thrust in the state’s bid to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing, research and sustainable industrial growth. The newly-announced initiative forms a central pillar of the state’s forthcoming State Manufacturing Mission, which aligns with national goals to reimagine India’s manufacturing landscape.
The proposed zone will bring cutting-edge manufacturing parks, a Global Frontier Technology Institute, international university campuses and research hubs into one integrated ecosystem. Officials say the location between Pune and Mumbai was selected for its unique synergies: Pune’s established industrial and education ecosystem, together with Mumbai’s global connectivity and financial infrastructure.
Under the new scheme, the Innovation City is expected to host plug-and-play industrial facilities, collaborative R&D spaces tied to international universities, and ready infrastructure designed to attract high-value manufacturing segments such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced automation and new materials. These efforts are positioned to uphold eco-friendly, gender-neutral and equitable urban growth, with a view to creating jobs and building inclusive city-economies.
Experts believe the corridor’s development will yield multiple dividends: deepening the manufacturing base, strengthening deployment of frontier technologies, and enhancing sustainable urban infrastructure. A senior NITI Aayog official noted that Maharashtra already possesses a strong MSME ecosystem, making it well-placed to lead in next-generation manufacturing.The state government has indicated that the Innovation City will be supported by the upcoming State Manufacturing Mission, which will provide policy incentives, infrastructure support and institutional frameworks to enable manufacturers and startups alike. In parallel, an EduCity-model component will bring together multiple global universities, with some already in advanced discussions with the state.
For the region between Pune and Mumbai, this initiative is more than industrial growthc it is an urban renewal narrative. Officials are emphasising sustainable design, efficient public transport linkages, green infrastructure and inclusive urban planning so that the new city resonates with the broader goals of zero-net-carbon and equitable urban environments. If executed as envisioned, the project could set a benchmark for how fast-growing Indian cities can integrate high-tech manufacturing, education and sustainable living.
However, analysts caution that such ambitions rest on timely land acquisition, infrastructure delivery, regulatory clarity and genuine industry participation. Past announcements in India’s industrial landscape have often faltered over implementation delays. The government will need to ensure that the Innovation City moves beyond blueprint and becomes a living ecosystem.In sum, Maharashtra’s decision to chart an Innovation City between Pune and Mumbai marks a significant strategic move. If realised effectively, it could reshape the state’s industrial geography, advance India’s manufacturing ambition and support the vision of sustainable, equitable cities for the future.
Maharashtra plans Innovation City between Pune and Mumbai for advanced manufacturing
