Aaditya Thackeray Questions Hinjawadi Funds Amid Civic Protest

A silent protest was held in Hinjawadi, Pune, on Sunday, with hundreds of residents and IT employees marching peacefully to demand better civic infrastructure. The protest was sparked by years of poor roads, traffic congestion, and inadequate amenities in the area.

The protesters carried placards highlighting issues such as potholes, unsafe roads, drainage, waste management, and public transport. They also demanded a holistic approach to development, rather than half-baked solutions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray joined the protesters and addressed the media, launching a sharp attack on the government over the condition of the IT hub. He questioned the allocation of funds for road development, citing a lack of visible progress on the ground.

According to the PMRDA's 2026 development document, ₹55.72 crore has been allocated for four Hinjawadi decongestion roads covering 8.95 km, while ₹203.78 crore has been approved for 10 industrial-connectivity road projects covering 60 km across the region. Additionally, the state government has referred to a roughly ₹426-crore PMRDA development plan for Hinjawadi.

However, residents remain skeptical about the latest announcements, citing similar assurances made in the past that have failed to materialize. They demand to know exactly when the promised work will be completed.

Thackeray has previously raised concerns over traffic, garbage collection, inadequate water supply, and the absence of basic infrastructure in Hinjawadi. He argued that infrastructure failure in the area could eventually affect the IT sector and employment, as Hinjawadi houses major companies and a large workforce.

The protest highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilization of funds for civic infrastructure development. The government must provide clear answers to the residents' demands and ensure visible progress on the ground.

The issue of poor civic infrastructure in Hinjawadi is not new, and it has been a longstanding concern for residents and IT employees in the area. The lack of coordination among multiple agencies responsible for the area has exacerbated the problem.

In conclusion, the protest in Hinjawadi is a wake-up call for the government to take concrete actions to address the civic infrastructure issues in the area. The residents' demands for accountability, transparency, and a holistic approach to development must be taken seriously, and the government must provide clear answers and visible progress on the ground.