Niti Aayog to Develop Integrated Economic Plan for Pune’s Growth

Pune, 25th February 2025: Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam announced on Monday that the think tank will collaborate with the state government and industry stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive economic strategy for Pune. This initiative aims to enhance the region’s development by integrating various ongoing projects, similar to successful models implemented in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Surat, and Visakhapatnam under the Growth Hub initiative.

Speaking at the Pune International Business Summit 2025, organized by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Subrahmanyam emphasized the need for a holistic approach to urban development. “Pune has multiple projects underway, but for real impact, they need to be viewed collectively. Connecting the dots will lead to sustainable growth. Over the next six months, Niti Aayog will work closely with the Maharashtra government and industry bodies like MCCIA to develop a well-structured economic roadmap,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of inclusive urban planning, he added, “A thriving city is one where people from all economic backgrounds—rich, middle class, and underprivileged—can coexist. It should not cater exclusively to one segment of society.”

In a separate address, Praveen Pardeshi, CEO of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), noted that a significant portion of the state’s economy is concentrated in just a few districts. “Three to four districts contribute over 50% of Maharashtra’s GDP. Pune, as an automobile manufacturing hub, must align with global trends to maintain its leadership position,” Pardeshi remarked.

He stressed the need for foresight in industrial planning, particularly with the rapid shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). “The global auto industry is evolving towards EVs and beyond. It’s crucial for industry leaders to strategize on how Pune’s auto cluster will adapt in the next five to ten years,” he added.

The summit brought together key policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss strategies for sustainable urban and economic development in Pune, ensuring its continued growth as a major industrial and innovation hub.