Pimpri Chinchwad’s Fast Growth Causes Infrastructure Problems
Pimpri Chinchwad has been experiencing an unprecedented Issue in construction, with over 4,300 projects approved from January 2022 to December 2024. This surge, primarily in residential and commercial properties, signals the city’s fast-paced urbanisation. However, this rapid growth is raising serious concerns about the adequacy of the infrastructure in place to support it.
The areas surrounding the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, including Ravet, Punawale, and Kiwale, are seeing the bulk of the development. As these regions undergo swift transformation, their growing population places increasing strain on the city’s already overburdened infrastructure. Local officials have warned that without parallel improvements in infrastructure, the city may struggle to meet the needs of its expanding population, which is expected to surpass Pune’s population by 2044.
Pimpri Chinchwad is grappling with serious challenges in providing basic services. The city’s water supply is inconsistent, with alternative sources being used to meet demand, and the waste management system is at capacity. The sole garbage depot in the Moshi area is overloaded, and residents in cooperative societies are being asked to manage their waste independently.
Environmental and civic activists are voicing concerns about the long-term sustainability of such rapid development. The lack of adequate public spaces, including playgrounds, raises alarms about the quality of life for residents. Traffic congestion has worsened, with limited parking spaces causing chaos, particularly near Metro stations. Furthermore, rising pollution levels in the city are exacerbating the situation, with no effective monitoring system in place.
Pimpri Chinchwad’s urban planners must ensure that the pace of construction is matched with the necessary investments in infrastructure. The city must prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to accommodate its growing population, ensuring that development benefits all residents and not just a select few.
