Pune: Twenty small and medium scale industries are threatening to leave Chakan, one of India’s largest auto manufacturing hubs near Pune, citing infrastructure issues. According to industry representatives, they are thinking of moving businesses out because of bad roads, traffic congestion, and poor infrastructure with regards to electricity and water.
While some are contemplating moving to neighbouring Satara’s Khandala MIDC, others are thinking of moving out of Maharashtra altogether, Dileep Batwal, CEO of the Federation of Chakan Industries (FCI) told ThePrint.“We have written to the government a few days back but there has been no official communication from them. Even though only 20 companies have come forward, but the condition is same for almost everyone,” Batwal said.
Industry representatives told the media that if these industries move out, it could cost Chakan MIDC Rs 1,000 crore and lead to the unemployment of around 4,000 people.Highlighting these issues, the representatives have requested the government to have a single nodal agency that can focus on Chakan.Currently, there are multiple agencies that work in the area like Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and at least 12 gram panchayats in the vicinity.“Every time when this topic comes up, a band-aid solution is applied. But there are no concrete solutions offered,” Batwal said.Taking note of the issue, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the media that the issues in Chakan can be solved once a township is developed there.Speaking to reporters in Pune, he said Wednesday, “The Chakan issue is a very genuine one. In that context, a meeting has been held. After the monsoon gets over, we will undertake the work of upgrading all the infrastructure there. Unless we convert these MIDC areas into townships, we cannot upgrade their infrastructure or maintain it properly.”Chakan is one of the largest auto hubs in the country with many auto ancillary companies present here including auto giants Mercedes-Benz, Mahindra & Mahindra, Volkswagen, Skoda, among others. According to Batwal, the auto hub employs around 15 lakh people.
