17 August,2026 11:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Facing criticism from industrialists over pothole-ridden roads, traffic congestion and infrastructure gaps in Pune's Chakan industrial belt, the Maharashtra government has set up a high-level committee to address the problems and ensure time-bound action.
The move comes after several companies operating in the industrial area raised concerns over deteriorating infrastructure and traffic snarls. The issue has also given the Opposition an opportunity to target the state government over the condition of one of Maharashtra's key industrial hubs.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday acknowledged that Chakan was facing serious infrastructure problems and promised steps to provide relief to industries operating in the area.
The government subsequently formed a high-level panel to address the issues affecting companies and residents.
Industries Minister Uday Samant visited Chakan on Sunday and held discussions with senior officials and representatives of industrial associations. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in the meeting through video-conferencing.
The government came under pressure after owners of at least 20 companies said recently that they had decided to shift their factories to Khandala in Pune district, citing severe traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure in the Chakan Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area.
Shinde directed the administration to prioritise pothole repairs to improve traffic movement in the industrial belt, according to an official release.
Acknowledging the difficulties of carrying out conventional road repairs during the monsoon, Shinde said modern methods such as pre-cast systems and geo-polymer techno-patch should be considered.
He also directed various government departments to work together under the chairmanship of the district collector and immediately implement an action plan for infrastructure development in the area.
The deputy chief minister instructed officials to "implement short, medium and long-term measures to resolve the traffic congestion faced by industries in Chakan, the release said.
To coordinate efforts in the Chakan-Talegaon area, the Pune collector will act as the nodal officer, Shinde said. He also directed authorities to take action against contractors who deliberately delay projects or fail to complete works within the stipulated time.
The MIDC will make land available for a solid waste management project, a police station, a fire station and an electrical substation, Shinde said. He also directed that the development plan for Chakan city be approved at the earliest.
Power supply-related issues were also discussed during the meeting. Mahatransco, the state-owned electricity transmission company, has planned to install a new transformer by August 31. The MIDC will provide land for an additional electrical substation.
Shinde also said proposed transport infrastructure could help support industrial expansion in the region and reduce pressure on existing roads.
He expressed confidence that the proposed Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ranjangaon and Chakan MIDC, along with the planned highway connecting Uran, Karjat, Rajgurunagar, Shirur and Pune, would boost industrial development and help ease congestion in the Chakan area.
After the meeting, Samant said the authorities had started addressing some of the immediate concerns raised by industries and local residents.
"Authorities have also initiated immediate work to repair potholes, strengthen road shoulders, clear garbage and streamline parking management across the industrial belt."
Samant said a high-level committee had been constituted under the district collector to ensure coordination between different agencies.
Work on portions of the previously approved 27-km concrete road project has already been completed, he said.
"Approval will be granted on priority for an additional 17 to 18 km of road works, based on the needs identified by industrial associations and local residents," he added.
According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued on August 14, the state has formed a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding industrial belt.
The committee will also oversee a mechanism for time-bound resolution of grievances raised by industries.
The GR noted that new industries and Global Capability Centres are being established in Chakan and other parts of Pune district on a large scale. At the same time, several cases related to approvals and permissions from government departments are pending.
The government has set a 10-month deadline from the date of the GR for completing the planning, approvals, coordination and implementation process.
The concerns raised by companies have also turned into a political issue, with Opposition leaders questioning the government's handling of industrial infrastructure.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar last week urged the Maharashtra government to take urgent steps to retain industries and protect jobs. He said the decision by 20 companies employing more than 2,000 workers to relocate was a "serious matter".
"Industries should not be forced to relocate, employment opportunities should be protected and the industrial strength of the state should be maintained," Pawar said in a post on X. He also suggested a special single-window mechanism to ensure timely resolution of their problems.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, after visiting the Chakan industrial area on Saturday, said as many as 5,000 direct and indirect jobs could be affected if some companies moved their operations as announced.
He claimed that "infrastructural mess, corruption, administrative mess and intra-and-inter-department rivalries" are among the reasons behind industries moving out.
The Opposition has also stepped up its criticism over data recently shared in Parliament showing that 36,211 private companies in Maharashtra had shut down over the past five years.
(With inputs from PTI)
