Government Establishes Panel To Resolve Chakan Traffic Crisis As Industries Threaten Relocation

The Maharashtra government has formed a high-level committee to address severe traffic congestion, poor road conditions and infrastructure deficits in Chakan and its adjoining industrial areas. The Government Resolution was issued by the Planning Department on 14th August, following directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The decision comes amid growing concerns that around 20 companies were considering relocation due to deteriorating infrastructure, potentially putting nearly ₹1,000 crore in business and approximately 4,000 jobs at risk. The Chakan industrial belt, home to nearly 3,000 companies under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, has been grappling with traffic congestion for nearly a decade due to rapid industrial growth.

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi will head the committee, with Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey serving as co-chairman. The panel includes senior officials from the Public Works Department, MIDC, PMRDA, Pune Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, alongside representatives from the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce and Chakan Industrial Association.

The committee has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive road and traffic master plan for the area, addressing immediate issues whilst planning for future industrial expansion. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed 14 government departments today to work under the committee and implement an immediate action plan. The planning, approvals, coordination and implementation of proposed measures must be completed within 10 months from the date of the Government Resolution.

The government has also established an Industry Grievance Redressal Cell at the Pune District Collectorate to address pending approvals and permissions required by industries. Shinde announced that the Chakan city development plan, pending for several years, would be approved soon, whilst MIDC will make land available for essential infrastructure including police stations, hospitals and electricity substations.