The daily grind for hundreds of IT professionals in Pune’s Hinjewadi IT Park has become a frustrating ordeal, as relentless waterlogging, traffic congestion, and worsening road conditions create significant hurdles amid monsoon rains. Once hailed as Maharashtra’s largest IT hub, the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park now struggles under the strain of inadequate infrastructure, especially evident during the recent heavy downpour in late May. Commuters report journeys that typically take 40 minutes have stretched to over two hours, highlighting a chronic crisis in urban planning and civic management that threatens the region’s economic productivity.
Hinjewadi, home to more than six lakh direct and indirect employees, is grappling with perennial flooding across its phases, where even moderate rainfall leads to streets submerged under water, concealing deep potholes and hazards. Several IT workers describe how the situation has worsened over the past four years, with waterlogging now extending to areas previously unaffected. These conditions not only damage vehicles but pose serious risks to two-wheeler riders, creating an unsafe environment on roads that are heavily burdened by traffic. The absence of alternative routes compounds the problem, forcing vehicles to negotiate narrow, waterlogged roads cautiously, often resulting in traffic jams extending up to three kilometres. The city’s infrastructure woes are further exacerbated by ongoing metro construction, which has narrowed roadways and left barricades that are sometimes improperly maintained, presenting additional safety hazards. Commuters have voiced concern over exposed iron rods and obstructive barriers that endanger pedestrians and drivers alike.
Public transport users face their own challenges, as buses become slower and less reliable amid the flooding. Irregular schedules and fears of breakdowns contribute to the anxiety of daily travel, leading some professionals to consider temporary relocation or extended breaks to avoid hazardous conditions. The collective toll is not merely physical but psychological, as navigating Hinjewadi’s flooded streets becomes a source of daily stress for residents and workers. Compounding these difficulties is the insufficient presence of traffic police during heavy rains, which further slows down vehicle movement and aggravates congestion. Key junctions, notably Bhumkar Chowk, are notorious for rapid flooding, yet lack adequate ground-level traffic management during peak hours. IT professionals suggest that expanding available road space by utilising less congested lanes could alleviate some of the delays but lament the lack of proactive intervention.
An underlying cause for Hinjewadi’s persistent waterlogging is the fractured coordination among multiple governing bodies responsible for the area’s infrastructure. Residents and commuters highlight the lack of communication and accountability among agencies such as the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and local municipal bodies. This fragmentation leads to delayed repairs, unfinished roadworks, and temporary fixes that are washed away with the next rainfall. For example, certain road excavation sites, left unattended for months, have transformed into hazard zones that are difficult to traverse or even wait beside for public transport. Temporary drainage measures have been implemented in some spots, but the absence of comprehensive and timely road restoration amplifies commuting difficulties. Experts stress that adhering to strict timelines for infrastructure maintenance before the onset of monsoon is critical to mitigating disruption.
Additionally, the ongoing metro construction has inadvertently obstructed natural drainage systems, worsening water stagnation. Informal street vendors, authorised to set up stalls, have also contributed to blocked drains by building platforms that impede water flow, further exacerbating the flooding. Civic associations have raised concerns with multiple authorities, but a clear solution remains elusive as responsibility is passed between departments. Urban planning specialists underline the need for sustainable, science-based development in Hinjewadi that prioritises eco-friendly water management and resilient infrastructure. They argue that the current piecemeal approach is detrimental to the long-term viability of the IT park, which is vital to Pune’s economy. Without urgent action to modernise drainage, repair roads, and improve traffic management, the daily lives and wellbeing of employees and residents will continue to suffer.
Officials acknowledge these challenges and cite ongoing efforts to address them. A key waterlogging hotspot in Hinjewadi Phase II is slated for a culvert construction pending necessary approvals. Public works departments have initiated road repair projects, but funding constraints and heavy monsoon rains have delayed completion. Collaborative negotiations between governmental and private entities aim to accelerate infrastructure improvements once weather conditions permit. The growing infrastructure strain in Pune’s largest IT hub serves as a cautionary tale for urban centres undergoing rapid development. It highlights the imperative for integrated governance and climate-resilient planning that can support both economic growth and sustainable living standards. Meanwhile, civic groups advocate for adaptive work policies such as flexible remote work options during extreme weather, to reduce commuter pressure and protect workers’ health and safety.
As Hinjewadi navigates these challenges, its future as a thriving, equitable, and environmentally responsible IT park depends on the synergy of government agencies, private developers, and citizen stakeholders. Addressing its persistent flooding and traffic woes with urgency and foresight will be essential to safeguard the city’s technological heartbeat and promote a more sustainable urban ecosystem.
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