Pune Residents Protest Over Traffic, Roads, Water Crisis

On September 6, 2026, residents of Hinjawadi, Maan, and Marunji in Pune will stage a peaceful protest to address the worsening civic and infrastructure problems in the area. The protest is being organized by local residents, farmers, IT employees, and regional welfare associations.

The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of Maan has submitted a formal representation to the Maharashtra government, demanding immediate and time-bound action on traffic congestion, road widening, water shortages, urban planning, and administrative issues. The residents are seeking clear deadlines for the government to resolve these problems and have warned that the protest could be intensified if concrete decisions are not taken.

One of the key demands is an immediate meeting at Hinjawadi under the chairmanship of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The residents want major potholes to be filled within seven days and temporary traffic measures to be introduced at major congestion points. They have also demanded that the entire Maan-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 be opened on priority by October 31, which would provide an alternative to road travel and help reduce pressure on the busy IT corridor.

The residents have also sought a decision on the long-pending Wakad-Balewadi transit hub within six months. Land acquisition and compensation for road widening have emerged as another major concern, with the residents demanding that compensation issues involving farmers be resolved immediately. They have sought completion of the land acquisition and tender process within 30 days, with the proposed road widening works to be completed within six to nine months and before the 2027 monsoon.

The residents have called for a permanent traffic plan involving the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), covering major congestion points such as Wakad-Hinjawadi Flyover, Bhumkar Chowk, Tathawade, and the Punawale underpasses. They have also sought the widening of key roads, including Maan Road, Laxmi Chowk, and Balewadi-Mhalunge Road, within 90 days.

The representation also calls for an increase in traffic police personnel in the area, with residents seeking at least a two-fold increase in manpower in the Hinjawadi Traffic Division. Along with that, smart CCTV cameras and stricter traffic management during peak hours have been demanded. The RWA has also renewed the demand for a separate municipal corporation covering Hinjawadi.

The protest highlights the growing concerns of residents in the area, who are facing significant challenges due to the rapid development of the IT corridor. The Maharashtra government is expected to take concrete steps to address these issues and provide relief to the residents.

The situation in Hinjawadi, Maan, and Marunji is a microcosm of the broader infrastructure challenges facing Pune and other rapidly growing cities in India. As the city continues to expand, it is essential that the government and local authorities prioritize the development of adequate infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and amenities, to support the growing population and economy.

In conclusion, the protest by residents of Hinjawadi, Maan, and Marunji is a call to action for the Maharashtra government to address the pressing infrastructure and civic issues in the area. The government must take concrete steps to resolve these problems and provide relief to the residents, ensuring that the city's growth is sustainable and equitable for all.