Maharashtra Fights Exodus: High-Level Panel Tackles Chakan's Road and Traffic Crisis

The Maharashtra government has formed a high-level committee to urgently fix the crippling road conditions and endless traffic jams in the Chakan industrial belt, a critical manufacturing hub in Pune. This swift action comes after a serious threat of about 20 companies, collectively worth ₹1,000 crore, planning to move out, putting around 4,000 jobs at risk due to the deteriorating infrastructure. For nearly a decade, Chakan, home to global auto giants and around 3,000 companies, has struggled with severe traffic and poor roads, making daily commutes a nightmare and impacting business operations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the 'very genuine' issues, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed 14 government departments to work under the new committee, which is led by Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi and Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey. This multi-agency coordination is crucial, as roads in Chakan are managed by several bodies like MIDC, PMRDA, PWD, MSRDC, and NHAI, leading to a lack of proper upkeep. The committee has a tight 10-month deadline from its August 14th resolution to create a complete road and traffic master plan, fast-tracking repairs and planning for future growth. An 'Industry Grievance Redressal Cell' has also been set up in Pune to help businesses with approvals. With existing projects like the Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur corridor being pushed for earlier completion by December 2026, and a long-term vision to convert industrial areas into townships, everyone is watching to see if these moves can save Chakan's industrial future.