Punekars Disappointed as Budget Fails to Address Key Infrastructure Needs
Pune/Mumbai, 11th March 2025: Pune Residents have expressed disappointment with the Maharashtra Budget presented by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also the Guardian Minister of the district. Despite high expectations, the budget failed to allocate funds for the proposed Purandar International Airport and did not provide concrete solutions to alleviate traffic congestion in Hinjawadi. Instead, the budget highlighted ongoing projects such as the expansion of metro lines and road development initiatives.
Ajit Pawar announced the commencement of a 23.2 km metro route from Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar and the development of elevated roads from Talegaon to Chakan, but these measures did not address the pressing concerns of Pune’s infrastructure needs. The absence of specific allocations for the Purandar airport project and traffic management in Hinjawadi has left many feeling let down, as these issues were expected to be prioritized given Pune’s rapid growth and development challenges.
The budget did allocate funds for other infrastructure projects, including a significant investment in road development across the state. However, the lack of focus on Pune’s specific needs has raised questions about the government’s priorities for the region. The proposed Purandar airport, which is crucial for enhancing air connectivity in the region, received no budgetary allocation, further exacerbating concerns about the project’s future.
