Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi, a bustling hub hosting 400 IT companies and contributing to 60% of Maharashtra’s IT exports, faces a troubling reality: chronic infrastructure neglect. Despite its significant economic role, Hinjewadi’s deteriorating roads, erratic water supply, limited public transport, and inadequate waste management threaten the daily lives of over five lakh employees, sparking frustration and diminishing confidence in the region’s growth potential. As assembly elections approach, many hope the newly elected leaders will prioritise long-overdue infrastructure improvements, finally addressing the park’s glaring civic issues.
This situation highlights years of systemic neglect by multiple administrative bodies, including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). The IT Park’s location under the Bhor assembly constituency adds to its political challenges, as its development often falls to the bottom of the priority list. An IT professional lamented, “Hinjewadi’s poor infrastructure hinders not only our daily life but also the future growth of the IT sector in Pune. Residents are forced to rely on water tankers due to supply shortages, and commuting is a nightmare on pothole-ridden roads.”
Rapid growth in Hinjewadi’s housing sector has only amplified these concerns. While elite housing societies and commercial establishments proliferate in areas like Mahalunge, Maan, Marunji, and Wakad, fundamental civic infrastructure remains woefully inadequate. Public transport is limited, pedestrian pathways are either damaged or encroached upon, and essential amenities like foot overbridges and flyovers are absent. Inadequate street lighting further compounds the safety concerns of many residents, particularly women, who advocate for better police patrolling and increased CCTV coverage to improve safety standards in the park.
Comparatively, cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad invest substantially in infrastructure, creating a competitive disadvantage for Pune’s IT landscape. “While Bengaluru is set to welcome 100 new IT firms, we’re still struggling with basic infrastructure here in Hinjewadi. This neglect affects investor confidence, risking Pune’s reputation as a major IT destination,” an IT employee explained. Many residents agree that only consistent infrastructure improvements can foster a sustainable environment for continued growth and attract further investments in the region.
From a sustainability perspective, Hinjewadi’s ongoing challenges call for a strategic, integrated approach to urban planning. Reliable water sources, sustainable waste management, and dependable power supply are essential to support the region’s IT sector without placing undue strain on environmental resources. Addressing these infrastructure issues is not only crucial for Hinjewadi’s employees but is also vital to ensure that Pune’s IT sector remains competitive, resilient, and equipped to support future growth in a sustainable manner. As assembly elections draw near, Hinjewadi’s workforce hopes their grievances will no longer go unheard, setting the stage for essential civic advancements that reflect its role as a key economic contributor.
