Pune Hinjewadi IT Park Protest: Hundreds of Engineers and Locals Take to Streets Over Infrastructure Crisis
Thousands of IT employees and local residents took to the streets at Hinjewadi Rajiv Gandhi IT Park in Pune on Sunday, protesting against poor infrastructure, damaged roads, traffic congestion and inadequate civic amenities. The Smart IT City Sankalp Mook Morcha also saw the participation of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray.
IT Employees and Residents Protest in Hinjewadi
The protest began at Infosys Circle in Hinjewadi and proceeded through Shivaji Chowk before returning to Infosys Circle, where the march was scheduled to conclude.
IT employees, local residents and various civic organisations participated in the peaceful protest, holding placards and raising demands related to infrastructure and public services in the rapidly developing Hinjewadi-Maan-Marunji region.
Rapid Urbanisation, But Infrastructure Remains a Concern
The Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji areas have witnessed significant growth in IT parks, residential development, industrial activity and population over the past few years.
Protesters alleged that infrastructure has not kept pace with this rapid growth. Roads, public transport, water supply and other civic facilities remain inadequate, while multiple government agencies are responsible for different aspects of development.
According to the protesters, a lack of coordination between these agencies has further delayed infrastructure projects despite repeated representations from residents and IT employees.
Traffic Congestion Becomes Daily Challenge
The protesters highlighted the daily difficulties faced by IT employees, students and local residents due to traffic congestion across Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji.
Poor road conditions, water supply issues and congestion at key junctions have added to concerns. Protesters demanded that the government set clear deadlines for resolving these problems.
Aditya Thackeray Joins Protest
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray also participated in the agitation. His presence brought additional political attention to the long-standing infrastructure concerns in the Hinjewadi IT corridor.
The protesters said they expect the government to take the infrastructure crisis seriously and initiate time-bound measures.
Major Demands Raised by Protesters
The protesters put forward several demands, including:
- Immediate resolution of land acquisition issues affecting road projects.
- Immediate commencement of the Maan-Shivajinagar Metro.
- A joint meeting of all government agencies working in Hinjewadi, chaired by the Chief Minister.
- Creation of a separate municipal corporation for the Hinjewadi-Maan-Marunji area.
- A monthly review meeting under the chairmanship of the District Collector.
- Resolution of traffic congestion at Bhumkar Chowk, Punawale, Tathawade and Wakad flyover.
- Ensuring 2 TMC of water storage from Mulshi Dam.
- Doubling the manpower of the traffic police in the area.
- Regular quarterly reviews of Hinjewadi infrastructure issues under the Chief Minister's chairmanship.
Protesters Seek Time-Bound Action
The protesters said that the Hinjewadi IT corridor contributes significantly to Pune's economic and employment ecosystem, but inadequate infrastructure is creating daily difficulties for people living and working in the area.
They demanded coordinated action from government agencies and stressed that infrastructure projects should be completed within clearly defined timelines.