Big infra push: Rs 40,000 crore Growth Hub plan approved for PMR by NITI Aayog

Pune, 26th March 2026: Minister of State Madhuri Misal on Wednesday said that NITI Aayog has approved Rs 40,000 crore for the ‘PMR Growth Hub Plan’ for the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR). She told the state assembly that the initiative is expected to significantly boost the region’s overall development.

Raising the issue on the final day of the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature, Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge urged the state government to prepare a comprehensive and sustainable development plan for PMR, terming it a key driver of the state’s economic growth.

Landge said that under the leadership of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, several major projects such as metro expansion, ring roads, multimodal transport hubs, river conservation and industrial infrastructure are progressing in the region. He added that agencies like PMRDA, Maha Metro and PMPML are working in coordination to improve civic amenities across urban and rural areas.

However, he stressed the need for time-bound execution of metro and ring road projects, enhanced sewage treatment capacity to curb river pollution, and preparation of an integrated development plan to control unplanned growth. He also sought improved infrastructure in MIDC areas and promotion of alternative energy projects to reduce the burden on the power distribution system.

Highlighting the rapid population growth in Pimpri Chinchwad, Landge underlined the need to develop new water sources. He also demanded separate development plans for religious and historical sites such as Dehu, Alandi, Bhimashankar and Vadhu Tulapur, ensuring that their identity as religious centres is preserved rather than being promoted merely as tourist destinations.

Misal said while majority of these issues related to infrastructure challenges will be addressed under the growth hub plan, the state government is also undertaking several works. She said the PMRDA has already initiated works to set up 39 STPs along Indrayani river across its jurisdiction.

“I will be holding a meeting with the local representatives within two weeks to address these concerns and we will prepare a report which will be submitted to the chief minister for appropriate solutions” she said.