After extensive discussions on the Hinjewadi Rajiv Gandhi IT Park in a meeting held Wednesday, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar called for measures to expedite infrastructure projects and announced plans to further infrastructure in a bid to stop industries from leaving the city. The new projects include widening of roads to six lanes, construction of flyovers and establishment of a 100-ton capacity solid waste management project. In response to the recent claim by Hinjewadi Industries Association (HIA) that 37 companies were leaving Pune due to deteriorating infrastructure, Pawar called a high–level meeting on June 19 at the Ministry. He conducted a detailed review with associated government bodies like PMRDA, PCMC, MIDC, PWD and others, asking them to coordinate and resolve the issues at the earliest. Under guidance of the divisional commissioner, all these agencies will inspect the area on Friday and Saturday. Pawar said that a high volume of vehicles moves through Hinjewadi, but narrow roads and poor infrastructure lead to constant traffic congestion. "The Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park has been developed in three phases by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji. The companies need to be provided a supportive environment for their own growth as well as for growth of the city," he said. Soon, PMRDA will start land acquisition in adjacent areas to build roads and flyovers. Besides construction of six–lane roads and flyovers, Pawar held discussions on the completion of solid waste management projects. He said MIDC is currently setting up a project with a capacity of 10 metric tonnes, but more extensive measures are needed for adjacent gram panchayat areas. He therefore directed the CEO of the district council to initiate the establishment of a project on 100 metric tonne capacity. Additionally, to maintain law and order, he instructed officials to increase security agencies and police surveillance, to fill potholes and remove illegal cables and advertisement hoardings. Several senior officials, including members of HIA, attended the meeting.
