Potholed roads, traffic snarls, industry exit threat: Maharashtra to fix infrastructure gaps at Pune’s Chakan belt

The Maharashtra government has acknowledged major infrastructure shortcomings and established a high-level committee to address them following complaints from businesses over potholed roads and traffic congestion in Pune's Chakan industrial area, according to the Economic Times. Opposition figures have been vocal in criticizing the government on this matter, prompting officials to take prompt action.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged on Friday that significant infrastructure problems exist and assured action would be taken. Industries Minister Uday Samant visited the Chakan Industrial Belt and met with senior officials and representatives from industrial groups, while Deputy Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde participated in the discussions via video conference.

This follows the departure of over 20 companies from the Chakan MIDC to Khandala due to severe traffic congestion and poor infrastructure. Shinde ordered the administration to prioritize filling potholes in the area, and the MIDC will provide land for a solid waste management project, a police station, a fire station and an electrical substation, with the city's development plan to be approved as soon as possible.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar urged the Maharashtra government to take immediate steps to retain industries and protect jobs, referring to the decision of the 20 companies to relocate as a "serious matter." Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that relocating would result in the loss of 5,000 direct and indirect jobs due to "infrastructure mess, corruption, administrative mess and inter-department rivalries."