Industrial Expansion in Pune: Officials Pledge Infrastructure and Policy Support
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 27th March 2025: The Maharashtra state government is committed to creating an industry-friendly environment and will take proactive steps to attract businesses from various sectors to Pune district, assured Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among administrative departments to resolve industrial issues efficiently.
Dr. Pulkundwar was speaking at a meeting organized by the Maratha Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA) to address entrepreneurs’ concerns. The event saw participation from senior officials, including Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, Special Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur Range) Sunil Phulari, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Additional Commissioner of Police (Pimpri Chinchwad) Vasant Pardeshi, Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh, Joint Director of Industries (Pune Division) Shailesh Rajput, and General Manager of the District Industries Center Archana Kothari.
Under the Chief Minister’s 100-day action plan, the administration has been directed to provide all possible support and facilities to industries. As part of this initiative, bi-monthly meetings are being held to discuss and resolve challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Dr. Pulkundwar stressed that departments must take necessary action before the next review meeting.
He further instructed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to prioritize infrastructure development, including electricity, water supply, and road maintenance in industrial areas. Additionally, Mahavitaran was urged to upgrade feeders, substations, and power lines to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
Efforts are also being made to resolve transportation bottlenecks. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Zilla Parishad, and the Revenue Department have been tasked with removing encroachments along key industrial routes. The Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been directed to expedite road repairs and improvements.
Dr. Pulkundwar highlighted that Pune’s integrated transport plan is in its final approval stage, with implementation expected to begin soon. Additionally, work on the Pune Outer Ring Road has been accelerated and is expected to be completed within two years.
Cluster Development for Tooling Industries
District Collector Jitendra Dudi emphasized the importance of small tool manufacturing industries, which play a crucial role in supporting large-scale industries. He announced plans to develop clusters for these industries by allocating dedicated spaces and essential infrastructure.
“The goal is to strengthen Pune-Mumbai as the country’s largest industrial corridor,” Dudi said, adding that regular meetings will be held to address industrial concerns promptly.
Simplifying Industrial Approvals
The administration has introduced the Maharashtra Industry, Trade, and Investment Facilitation (Maitri 2.0) Portal, which serves as a single platform for securing necessary permits and approvals. Dudi also directed MIDC to establish a “single window” system in each industrial estate to resolve issues that are not covered under the portal.
Enhancing Workforce Support
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale suggested that industries, in collaboration with MIDC, should develop residential complexes for workers to reduce commute times. He also emphasized the need for skill development programs to enhance the employability of the local workforce.
Pune Rural Police assured strict action against groups attempting to harass entrepreneurs.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from various departments, including Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, Public Works Department, MSEDCL, Mathadi Kamgar Mandal, Labor Department, Police, and Zilla Parishad.
