Pimpri-Chinchwad Overlooked in State Budget; No Major Projects Announced

Pimpri, 11th March 2025: The state budget for the financial year 2025-26, presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, has left Pimpri-Chinchwad disappointed, as no major projects or schemes have been announced for the industrial city.

Once considered a stronghold of Ajit Pawar, Pimpri-Chinchwad now seems to have lost its prominence in the state’s development plans. Following his son’s defeat in the Maval Lok Sabha elections and the loss of power in the municipal corporation, Pawar had openly expressed his dissatisfaction. Even as the district’s guardian minister, he has not allocated any significant projects for the city in this budget.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had proposed a Pavana River rejuvenation project, with an estimated cost of ₹1,435 crore, requesting ₹580 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund. The civic body had also sought state assistance for the Pavana closed water pipeline project and proposed a new metro route from Nashik Phata to Moshi and Chakan. However, the budget did not address these demands.

Sandeep Belsare, President of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Small-Scale Industries Association, expressed disappointment over the budget, stating that while the finance minister announced an industrial investment of ₹40 lakh crore under a new policy, there was no concrete investment for the Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial sector. He also pointed out the lack of clarity in the Maharashtra Technical Textile Mission. Additionally, the increase in vehicle taxes is expected to raise vehicle prices, potentially affecting the automobile industry. Belsare criticized the budget for neglecting labor welfare schemes, employment generation, and support for small industries.

Despite the city’s exclusion from major announcements, BJP MLA Mahesh Landge defended the budget, calling it a comprehensive plan for a “progressive and developed Maharashtra.” He highlighted that a 100-day action plan is being prepared, focusing on industrial growth, employment, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, water conservation, and womens empowerment. However, for Pimpri-Chinchwad residents, the absence of dedicated projects in the budget has led to growing concerns about the city’s future development.