In a significant move aimed at bolstering industrial infrastructure, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has announced its first revision of service charges in 17 years for three major industrial zones in the Pune region. The hike, effective in the Hinjewadi, Talegaon, and Chakan areas, is designed to generate funds for critical upgrades to roads, drainage, and traffic management systems.
Revised Rate Structure and Uniform Pricing
The new service charge structure introduces a tiered system based on the size of the industrial plot. Units with a land allotment of 500 square metres will now pay Rs 12 per square metre, a substantial increase from the previous rate of Rs 4.75. For larger enterprises, the charges scale up: companies holding 1,500 square metres will be charged Rs 13 per sq metre, and those with 2,000 square metres or more will pay the highest rate of Rs 15 per sq metre. Notably, these revised rates have been standardized and are now uniform across all three industrial hubs.
A Long-Pending Proposal Finally Implemented
The decision to increase the charges was not taken overnight. The proposal was initially introduced in 2019 but faced immediate and strong opposition from industry bodies, leading to its suspension. The subsequent economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns further postponed any action. The current implementation follows a fresh round of consultations with stakeholders from the affected industrial areas, indicating a more collaborative approach.
Kalidas Bhandekar, Chief Engineer of MIDC Pune, emphasized the necessity of the revision. He stated that the move was "long overdue and is essential for maintaining and expanding infrastructure in these three zones." The funds collected will be directly channeled into solving persistent operational issues that have plagued these zones, including potholes, inadequate drainage, and severe traffic bottlenecks.
Massive Infrastructure Projects Funded by the Hike
The capital generated from the revised service charges is earmarked for a series of ambitious infrastructure projects. In Hinjewadi, home to a major IT park, MIDC plans to construct roads beneath the upcoming Metro line, concretise peripheral roads, and build a flyover at the congested Lakshmi Chowk.
Addressing a critical pain point, MIDC has allocated approximately Rs 167 crore to construct a dedicated concrete road for heavy vehicles on the heavily trafficked Chakan-Talegaon Road. The total planned infrastructure investment for the sprawling 3,300-hectare Chakan area is estimated at a massive Rs 323 crore.
For the Talegaon MIDC, which spans 1,500 hectares and hosts major units like Hyundai Motors, the funds will be used to develop essential infrastructure. This includes building four-lane approach roads and comprehensive stormwater drainage systems. The budget will also cover the ongoing upkeep of the area, which is a hub for engineering and floriculture industries.
By undertaking these upgrades, MIDC aims to create a more efficient and reliable operational environment for the multinational automotive and manufacturing companies that form the backbone of these industrial regions, ultimately enhancing Pune's position as a premier industrial destination.
