Union govt to allocate Rs 5,000 cr for setting up Pune Growth Hub and Rs 517 cr for metro expansion

3 minutes of readingPuneFebruary 2, 2026 01:07 am

In a major push to accelerate economic development and explore the full potential of the Pune Metropolitan Region, the Union government has ensured funding of Rs 5,000 crore for the ‘Pune Growth Centre’ over the next five years, which would enable overall development of the region.

In it Union budget Introduced for 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has sanctioned a fund of Rs 5,000 crore for each growth center over the next five years.

“The funds allocated to the Pune Growth Hub will benefit the development of Pune metropolitan area. This includes Pune district, Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, 3 cantonments, 7 municipalities, along with MSRDC, MIDC and other included areas, covering a total area of 6,914.26 sq km,” said city MP and Union minister Murlidhar Mohol.

Under this project, which is being carried out jointly by the Government of Maharashtra, NITI Aayog and Pune International Centre, a comprehensive economic master plan for Pune Metropolitan Region is being prepared and three necessary committees have also been set up for this purpose, he said.

This scheme will be worth Rs 80,000 crore, Mohol said, “The main objective of the Pune Growth Hub is to make Pune a leading global hub in the fields of technology, manufacturing, education, cultural heritage and artificial intelligence to create employment opportunities and develop infrastructure. This will lead to significant growth in the fields of technology, manufacturing, education and tourism. This project will attract large-scale investments and create employment opportunities in the Pune metropolitan region.”

The project aims to develop Pune as a major industrial and economic hub of the country, he said. “Pune is also included among the cities that are being developed as growth engines of the country. Therefore, Pune will benefit immensely from the provisions of the budget,” he said.

Mohol also said that the Union government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 517 crore for Pune Metro which will be used for expansion of metro routes in the city.

Story continues below this ad.

State Minister Madhuri Misal said that the Pune Metro, Pune Growth Center and the Pune-Bombay-Pune-Hyderabad The rail corridor will give a big boost to the development of Pune and its surrounding areas.

Following the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme for women, a major scheme to provide market access to women self-help groups has been announced. A separate system has been created to encourage women-led industries. This will significantly increase women’s participation in the economy. In addition, the creation of women’s shelters in all districts has been announced. To strengthen health services, emergency and trauma centers will be created in all district hospitals. This will greatly benefit citizens in disadvantaged areas, he said.

This budget will accelerate development, create jobs and propel the country to become the third largest economy in the world, Misal said.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-government body election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a ‘Bharat Mandapam’ style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

Click here join WhatsApp Express Pune Channel and get a curated list of our stories

Select a plan

Monthly plan

Yearly plan

All plans include

Search for an article