Rs40k crore ‘Growth Hub’ plan will address infra issues in Pune Metropolitan Region: Minister Misal

Pune: Minister Madhuri Misal on Wednesday said Niti Aayog had approved a Rs40,000 crore "Growth Hub" plan for Pune Metropolitan Region to address key infrastructure challenges, replying to a query of Bhosari BJP MLA Mahesh Landge in the assembly.Landge said areas such as Pimpri Chinchwad and villages under Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) were witnessing rapid growth but lacked adequate infrastructure. He said despite increasing investments by multinational companies and a rising population, commuters continued to face severe traffic congestion and poor connectivity. "Commuters often spend two to two-and-a-half hours in traffic on Pune-Nashik highway," he said.The MLA also flagged pollution in Indrayani and Pavana rivers, stating that most gram panchayats along these rivers lacked sewage treatment plants (STPs). He said financial assistance was required from the state to build the necessary infrastructure.Minister Misal said the government was working with Niti Aayog for the region's overall development. "The Growth Hub plan will focus on Metro connectivity, roads, industrial and corporate infrastructure, and other key issues," she said.She said the work had begun to set up 39 STPs along the rivers with Rs674 crore sanctioned for the project. "A traffic plan for the region has been prepared, and work is underway on connectivity plans for growth centres and industrial corridors," she said.Highlighting other concerns, Landge said industrial areas such as Chakan and Bhosari MIDC frequently faced power outages, affecting businesses. He also pointed to the absence of a development plan for the PMRDA, leading to unauthorised constructions and plotting. "New residential projects are coming up, but there is no proper planning for water supply. Drinking water scarcity and poor quality remain major concerns," he said.On Metro expansion, Misal said the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation–Nigdi line was expected to be completed by 2027, while the Swargate–Katraj route was likely by 2029. The Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro line was expected to be operational this year, she said.The government is also working on two ring roads, one each by the PMRDA and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. Officials said around 78% of the MSRDC ring road project had been completed, while land acquisition for the PMRDA ring road was still underway.Misal said she would hold a meeting with local public representatives within two weeks to review regional issues and submit a report to the chief minister for further action.