PMRDA Launches ‘Pune Growth Hub’ to Boost Regional Development

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has embarked on a significant initiative to develop a long-term economic plan for the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR), known as the ‘Pune Growth Hub’. This ambitious plan aims to position Pune as a major economic centre in Maharashtra, guiding development across a vast area of 6,246 square kilometres.

Avinash Patil, director of the PMRDA planning department, emphasized the importance of the project. “The chief minister has tasked us with positioning Pune as a key growth centre for Maharashtra. This plan will help us map the region’s strengths and identify the necessary projects to achieve this vision,” he said.

The ‘Pune Growth Hub’ will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for the region’s economic and social development. It will assess various aspects such as GDP, employment, population, income levels, mobility, education, and health. Additionally, it will track sustainability measures like air quality, clean energy use, and waste management.

The plan will identify major growth drivers, including manufacturing, global command centres (GCCs), tourism, logistics, and green energy. It will set specific targets for the years 2030, 2035, and 2047. To ensure a well-rounded approach, the plan will be supported by market studies and stakeholder discussions. This will help in listing priority projects and reforms needed to support future growth across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and nearby talukas.

The final phase of the plan will include an action roadmap with timelines and monitoring points, defining the roles of the PMRDA, state departments, and central agencies. This comprehensive strategy aims to align PMR growth with state and national targets, ensuring a cohesive and sustainable development model.

The state government has shown strong support for this initiative. In September 2025, the PMRDA was appointed as the implementing agency for the PMR Economic Master Plan. This plan is modeled on the successful Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) plan and identifies 18 integrated development centres for sectors such as information technology (IT), automobile manufacturing, agriculture, and education.

The ‘Growth Hub’ model is part of a national effort led by the NITI Aayog, which is preparing growth plans for selected regions. Similar initiatives are being piloted in Mumbai, Surat, Vishakhapatnam, and Varanasi. A senior official noted that three committees have been constituted to prepare and implement the master plan. The order was issued on September 15 by Charushila Chaudhary, joint secretary of the planning department. A dedicated project implementation unit has also been formed to ensure the plan’s successful execution.

The PMRDA has invited proposals from government institutions, research bodies, and non-profit organizations. The tender was issued on November 15, and the necessary documents were submitted on November 22. This collaborative approach ensures that the ‘Pune Growth Hub’ will benefit from a wide range of expertise and perspectives, making it a robust and effective development plan.

With the ‘Pune Growth Hub’, the PMRDA is taking a significant step towards transforming Pune into a thriving economic centre, fostering growth and development for the benefit of all residents and stakeholders in the region.