Maharashtra Divisional Commissioner Orders Land Transfer for Solapur IT Park Development
In a significant move to boost local employment and technological infrastructure, Pune divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar has instructed the Solapur district administration to transfer approximately 20 hectares of land from the Hotagi Road area to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). This directive, announced by Solapur guardian minister Jaykumar Gore on Monday, aims to accelerate the development of a state-of-the-art Information Technology Park in the region.
Background and Political Context
The initiative traces back to efforts by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who, ahead of local body elections, tasked district collector Kumar Ashirwad with identifying a suitable location for the IT Park. Fadnavis emphasized that many employees in Pune's IT sector hail from Solapur, and establishing a local IT hub could curb the need for youth to migrate for work, thereby retaining talent within the district.
Following these directions, multiple sites were evaluated, with the Hotagi Road location—proximate to the airport—being finalized. A high-power committee has already approved the plan, paving the way for swift implementation.
Land Transfer and Development Details
The land in question is currently under the Water Resources Department and was previously earmarked for a logistics park. Commissioner Pulkundwar's order mandates its transfer to MIDC, after which construction of the IT Park is expected to gain momentum. Guardian minister Gore highlighted the political significance, noting that the people of Solapur have shown support through recent electoral votes, and the chief minister is fulfilling his promises.
To ensure the project's success, district collector Ashirwad dispatched teams to study IT Park models in other cities, notably Indore, to incorporate best practices. A key strategy to attract IT companies involves securing cheaper power supply from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), enhancing the park's competitiveness.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The proposed IT Park represents a substantial investment, with construction costs estimated at Rs 40 crore. Officials project that upon completion, the facility will generate employment for approximately 40,000 software engineers, significantly boosting the local economy and providing career opportunities for Solapur's youth.
This development aligns with broader goals of decentralizing IT growth in Maharashtra, reducing pressure on Pune, and fostering regional economic self-sufficiency. As the land transfer proceeds, stakeholders anticipate accelerated progress toward realizing this transformative project.
