‘Start Pune Metro Line 3 Immediately’: Aaditya Thackeray Flags 1.5-Hour Hinjawadi Commute, Warns Of Industry Exodus

Pune's Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to expedite efforts to address the infrastructure issues plaguing Hinjawadi and its neighboring regions. Thackeray, following a visit to the area, highlighted the struggle faced by residents and IT professionals there, who endure a 1.5-hour commute between Metro phases during peak hours.

In a letter addressed to Fadnavis, Thackeray warned of potential industrial exodus if basic services, including Metro services, water supply, and waste management, remain unresolved. The IT sector in Hinjawadi and surrounding areas employs nearly six lakh people, while ancillary industries contribute to nearly three times that number.

Thackeray highlighted that several Fortune 500 companies have offices in the area, drawing attention to the economic impact of the ongoing delays. Fadnavis had assured action in 2025, but Thackeray argued that minimal progress has been made since then. He urged the chief minister to appoint a single agency to tackle the area's civic and infrastructure problems, emphasizing the need for greater traffic police deployment, immediate road repairs, and early Metro service commencement.

Thackeray also demanded regular audits of civic services and accountability to prevent similar issues in the future. He warned that without significant intervention, major companies may relocate to areas with better infrastructure, leading to further economic losses. Residents of Hinjawadi and the surrounding areas have planned a protest on September 6 to voice their concerns over the persistent civic and infrastructure challenges.

Thackeray pledged his party's support for the protest and called for the industry minister to follow up on promises made during a recent visit to the industrial area.