Infra gap analysis of Chakan industrial belt amid global firms’ expansion plans

Pune: State principal secretary for industries P Anbalagan has said the govt will undertake a comprehensive infrastructure gap analysis across the Chakan-Talegaon industrial corridor as global companies prepare fresh expansion plans in Maharashtra.He said the focus is to identify deficiencies in roads, electricity infrastructure, waste management and mobility connectivity in the aforementioned industrial corridor, which is one of Maharashtra's largest manufacturing clusters housing major automotive, engineering and ancillary industries.Speaking after an interaction with representatives of German companies, Anbalagan said the state was preparing a coordinated infrastructure roadmap, involving the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and other agencies, to support the next phase of industrial growth in the region."Maharashtra's economy is close to USD 640 billion currently. We need to add another USD 360 billion in the coming years. Manufacturing growth is around 6% and we expect it to rise to double digits," he told TOI."We will conduct a detailed gap analysis. Thereafter, around 80% of the infrastructure execution work will likely be carried out through MIDC, while the state govt funding and agencies such as the PWD will address the remaining requirements," he said.Industry representatives have been raising infra concerns in the Chakan-Talegaon-Shikrapur industrial corridor, where daily traffic movement is an operational challenge for workers and logistics operators.Anbalagan said the govt had already initiated infrastructure projects, including arterial connectivity works. "There has been bidding for projects of the elevated corridors from Talegaon Chowk to Chakan and from Chakan to Shikrapur. It is aimed to divert non-local traffic and improving freight mobility," he said.However, a section of companies' representatives said there was no timeframe given and the said stretch had been a nightmare and death trap for their employees over the last decade. "No one can guarantee when they will reach office. Senior officials rush home after office hours to beat the traffic or opt to work from home almost twice or thrice a week. The situation is difficult," said a senior official of a multi-national company in Chakan.Meanwhile, Anbalagan said that mobility solutions similar to the Hinjewadi transport model were also being explored in coordination with PMRDA for Chakan and Talegaon. "Metro lines for the Chakan industrial corridor will be a lifeline and game changer. But little has been done on this front," said Dilip Batwal, secretary of the federation of Chakan industries.On the power front, Anbalagan said additional extra high voltage substations were being planned to improve reliability for continuous-process industries — such as auto ancillaries and heat-treatment units. "MSEDCL and transmission companies have already established multiple 400 KV and 220 KV substations and more infrastructure is being planned. We are also upgrading conductors to improve uninterrupted supply," he said. Uninterrupted electricity was critical for industries operating continuous manufacturing lines because production stoppages often result in wastage of raw materials and significant operational losses, the principal secretary added.Anbalagan also said the govt was preparing scientific waste-management systems through circular economy models. Land had been allotted for companies that would process municipal and industrial waste.On industrial approvals, he said the state was working to accelerate land allotments and reduce procedural delays through the My3 single-window clearance platform. "All separate departmental approval portals will be integrated into My3 by June 15. Companies will be able to track approvals online and receive SMS-based updates," he said.Box : 1 (If needed)head: Civic issues raised by industriesRoad congestion: Companies flagged severe traffic congestion between Pune, Chakan, Talegaon and Shikrapur, with daily commute time often exceeding two hours.Power reliability: Continuous-process industries sought uninterrupted electricity supply and raised concerns over voltage fluctuations and open-access issues.Water access: While MIDC areas have relatively stable supply, industries outside its limits reported shortages and sought access to MIDC networks.Waste management: Companies highlighted the need for scientific processing of industrial and municipal solid waste through dedicated facilities.Mobility planning: Industries have sought long-term regional transport solutions, including elevated corridors and future mass transit connectivity for workers.Box 2: State to give 120 acres land to semi conductor giantMaharashtra has signed an MoU with a semiconductor-related company that has Japanese collaboration and a presence in the US. The company has sought around 120 acres in Talegaon and the proposal is expected to move ahead soon. The project is expected to generate 4,000 direct jobs, said P Anbalagan, principal secretary (industries).