Pune: Employee unions in one of the country's largest IT and industrial hubs say they are frustrated by the lack of infrastructure development and have a simple demand from candidates in the upcoming assembly election — better roads. The Federation of Chakan Industries represents over 3,000 units that employ more than 15 lakh workers, operating in an area often hailed as the cradle of Indian vehicles. The Mulshi Industrial Association, Hinjawadi Industries Association and Hinjewadi's Forum for IT Employees (FITE) together represent the voices of over 5 lakh workers.
Their demand? The right to get to work and back without wasting hours on end in traffic jams on crumbling roads. FITE Maharashtra coordinator Pavanjeet Mane highlighted the critical issue of poor road infrastructure in the Hinjewadi IT Park, home to around 200 companies. "The roads are in terrible condition.
They have long exceeded their capacity. Some of the biggest names in IT and ancillary industries operate here, yet the security measures on these roads are pathetic. There are no CCTVs at key junctions.
Around 40% of employees are women," Mane said. He criticised the lack of planning around the Metro project, which, while touted as a solution to traffic congestion, lacks essential last-mile connectivity. "I have been working here since 2004.
The problems have only worsened in the last 20 years. Our only demand is better and safer transport facilities," he said. Dilip Batwal, secretary of the Federation of Ch.
