Pune: Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant will meet industrialists and representatives of industry associations in Chakan on August 16 to discuss infrastructure-related problems in the industrial belt, amid concerns that some companies could consider shifting operations to other districts or outside Maharashtra because of poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure.

Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant will meet industrialists and representatives of industry associations in Chakan on August 16 to discuss infrastructure-related problems in the industrial belt. (HT FILE)

Samant spoke to office-bearers of the Chakan industrial association over the phone on Thursday following reports highlighting the deteriorating condition of roads in the industrial area.

A meeting has been scheduled for 4pm on August 16 in Chakan, where the minister is expected to hear the concerns of industrialists and discuss possible solutions.

The meeting assumes significance as poor roads, traffic congestion and other infrastructure deficiencies have emerged as major concerns for industries operating in the region. Industrial representatives have expressed apprehension that continued problems could affect business operations and employment, with some companies reportedly considering relocation.

During the meeting, issues related to roads, traffic and other basic infrastructure will be discussed, with the government expected to coordinate with the concerned departments to initiate measures to address the problems.

“We welcome the decision. This is a positive step and gives us confidence that the long-pending infrastructure and road-related issues will be addressed through coordination between the government and industry,” said Dilip Batwal, member of Federation of Chakan Industries Association.

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar criticised the state government, calling the situation “extremely serious” and urging it to uphold Maharashtra’s legacy as an industrially advanced state.

“The fact that as many as 20 companies in the Chakan industrial estate have decided to relocate due to issues such as traffic congestion, pollution, water and electricity shortages, and poor road infrastructure is extremely serious. Maharashtra has always been an industry-friendly state. Therefore, industries relocating or shutting down due to inadequate infrastructure is certainly not a matter of pride for our state,” Pawar said in a post on X.

“No matter what the government’s ideology may be, if Maharashtra expects its leaders to uphold the legacy of an ‘industrially advanced Maharashtra’... there is nothing wrong with that,” he added.

Chakan is one of Maharashtra’s major industrial hubs, with a large concentration of automobile and ancillary manufacturing units. Industry representatives have said sustained infrastructure problems could affect existing investments as well as the region’s ability to attract new industries.