The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has sanctioned an infrastructure revamp worth ₹650 crore for Hinjewadi’s Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park.
This investment aims to mitigate congestion, improve road connectivity, and cater to the growing vehicular density of one of India’s fastest-growing IT corridors. The plan includes the construction of a 720-metre, four-lane flyover and a new 900-metre six-lane road that will directly connect Shivaji Chowk to the local crematorium junction. With approximately ₹40 crore earmarked for the flyover and ₹24.74 crore for the connecting road, these projects are intended to provide critical relief in hotspots like Laxmi Chowk—an area currently paralysed by peak-hour traffic snarls.
However, the lion’s share of the allocation—around ₹584 crore—will fund the development of a strategic arterial road between Phase I and Phase III of the IT Park. This long-anticipated connectivity upgrade is expected to distribute traffic load more evenly across the tech zone and significantly cut down commute times for thousands of daily travellers. Until recently, land acquisition was being overseen by the Public Works Department, but following administrative delays, the District Collector’s office transferred this responsibility to MIDC in a bid to fast-track execution. According to officials, this decision was made to streamline approvals, consolidate project oversight, and avoid bureaucratic deadlocks that have previously hindered progress.
The timing of this infrastructure push is critical. Hinjewadi has witnessed explosive growth over the past decade, transitioning from a suburban outpost into a high-density employment and residential zone. With several tech companies, data centres, and co-working campuses mushrooming in the area, the local infrastructure has been struggling to keep pace. Current public transport infrastructure—comprising roughly 200 city buses—is grossly inadequate for the estimated daily traffic, forcing reliance on private vehicles and aggregators. The need for an integrated transport strategy in the region has been repeatedly flagged by industry associations, particularly with regard to the area’s limited metro connectivity and lack of efficient last-mile solutions. While metro rail projects are underway, urban mobility experts suggest that mass transit systems must be complemented by road improvements to ensure genuine congestion relief and environmental sustainability.
Industry stakeholders have cautiously welcomed the announcement but urge that planning be approached with a broader lens. A mere expansion of road capacity without restrictions on private vehicular use may offer only temporary relief. Experts emphasise the importance of incorporating dedicated bus lanes, park-and-ride hubs, pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle (EV) charging corridors to align with long-term goals of net-zero carbon mobility. From a climate-conscious urban development perspective, critics have raised concerns over the environmental costs of expansive road infrastructure, such as increased emissions from induced traffic and disruption to green spaces. Nevertheless, officials argue that the new infrastructure will be designed with sustainability principles, integrating green corridors, energy-efficient lighting, and provisions for EVs. Plans also include the use of recycled materials and eco-friendly construction methods wherever possible.
Furthermore, the move reflects a growing recognition among policymakers that suburban IT zones like Hinjewadi can no longer be developed with reactive infrastructure. Proactive planning—anchored in inclusive, multimodal mobility frameworks—is necessary to avoid future urban gridlocks and to ensure equitable access to jobs, education, and services for all residents. Though the proposed construction awaits the final green light from district authorities, groundwork is already underway. Preliminary surveys have been initiated, and compensation discussions with landowners are ongoing. Once approvals are secured, construction is expected to begin promptly, with completion timelines likely to be announced in the second phase of the project rollout.
The success of this infrastructure overhaul will depend not only on the speed of implementation but also on how thoughtfully it integrates with the city’s broader mobility goals. With Pune aspiring to be a model smart city, the challenge lies in balancing immediate infrastructure needs with long-term commitments to sustainable, inclusive urban growth. As congestion continues to plague key economic zones like Hinjewadi, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether this ₹650 crore blueprint can pave the way for a more accessible and environmentally responsible urban future.
Pune to Spend Rs 650 Crore to Fix Hinjewadi Traffic Problem
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