PUNE: On Friday, the state government announced plans to establish a new IT park near the upcoming greenfield international airport in Purandar taluka.
The IT sector has welcomed this initiative, following the announcement by state industries minister Uday Samant in the assembly. However, experts urged the government to avoid repeating past infrastructure errors seen at the Hinjewadi IT park.
The project, which has been discussed for the past couple of years, was confirmed in the assembly after finalizing the land for it. Samant noted, “Although the land transfer from the revenue department to MIDC is pending, we are moving forward with the plan for the IT park in Purandar. The process will be expedited after the next cabinet meeting.”
The initial feasibility meeting for the IT park occurred on July 24, 2024, when Eknath Shinde was chief minister, and the district administration was tasked with surveying the area for potential land. A subsequent meeting led by the industries minister took place on October 3, 2025, during which land owned by the revenue department was proposed for the project.
Minister of state for industries Indranil Naik confirmed in the assembly that a request for land has been submitted to the revenue department. “On February 27, we communicated our land requirements. As the land belongs to the revenue department, it will reduce government expenditure on land acquisition. They will need to present a proposal at the cabinet meeting for the land transfer. After approval, we can commence project work,” he stated.
Vijay Shivtare, the Shiv Sena MLA for Purandar, highlighted the IT park concern in the assembly, stating, “Some companies are relocating from Hinjewadi IT park due to traffic and other infrastructure challenges. Developing an IT park in Purandar could attract these companies back. The site is only 3-4 km from the planned international airport, ensuring excellent connectivity and the potential to generate nearly 100,000 jobs.”
IT experts praised the decision, emphasizing the need for world-class infrastructure at the Purandar IT park. Pavanjit Mane, head of the state Forum for IT Employees, said, “To attract IT companies, the government must excel in developing infrastructure at the new site and avoid past mistakes made in Hinjewadi. In addition to industrial infrastructure, it’s crucial to ensure civic amenities in the surrounding areas.”
Experts recommend that instead of solely relocating existing IT companies to the new park, the government should aim to attract new enterprises to Purandar, fostering greater investment and job opportunities in the state.
