Hundreds of IT employees and residents, including women and schoolchildren, took to the streets of Hinjewadi on Sunday in a silent protest against crumbling roads, crippling traffic congestion, and poor civic amenities in the IT hub.
“People are really irked by the condition of roads, traffic congestion and other civic issues. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray also joined the protest along with local political representatives. “I have come here to support the demands of residents and those working in the IT sector here through the protest march.
The protest, organised by the Forum of IT Employees (FITE), came days after the state government announced a ₹ 426-crore plan to improve infrastructure in Hinjewadi and adjoining Maan and Marunji areas. The demands are very basic, and if the administration can not even provide that in 2026, it is a great apathy,” said Thackeray. Because of massive traffic jams, “IT employees spend hours every day travelling to and from their workplaces.
Protesters said they would closely monitor the plan’s implementation and warned of fresh agitation if there was no visible improvement within the next three months. Pavanjit Mane, FITE state president, said the turnout reflected the growing frustration among employees and residents over the worsening infrastructure. That is why IT employees and residents came forward in large numbers to participate in the protest,” Mane said. He said the organisation was hopeful that the special task force headed by Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi would ensure that the long-pending issues were addressed. “We have assured the collector that FITE will extend all possible assistance to the task force,” he said. Harshal B, a FITE member, said the area’s infrastructure had steadily deteriorated over the past two decades despite repeated promises by successive authorities. Roads are riddled with potholes and basic civic facilities remain inadequate,” he said. He said the chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, during his recent visit to the area, should have interacted directly with residents and IT employees to understand their concerns.
