Union Budget 2026-27 Allocates Rs 5,000 Crore for Pune Growth Hub and Rs 517 Crore for Metro Extension
In a significant move to boost economic development in the Pune Metropolitan Region, the Union government has announced substantial funding in the 2026-27 budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has sanctioned Rs 5,000 crore for the Pune Growth Hub over the next five years, alongside Rs 517 crore for the extension of Pune Metro routes.
Comprehensive Funding for Regional Development
The allocation of Rs 5,000 crore for the Pune Growth Hub is part of a broader initiative to establish growth hubs across the country, with each receiving similar funding. This project is a collaborative effort involving the Maharashtra government, NITI Aayog, and the Pune International Centre. According to city MP and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, the funds will benefit the entire Pune metropolitan area, encompassing:
- Pune district
- Pune Municipal Corporation
- Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
- 3 cantonments
- 7 municipalities
- MSRDC, MIDC, and other included areas
This covers a total area of 6,914.26 square kilometres, aiming to transform Pune into a leading global centre in technology, industry-manufacturing, education, cultural heritage, and Artificial Intelligence.
Strategic Objectives and Economic Impact
The Pune Growth Hub is designed to create employment opportunities and develop infrastructure, with a comprehensive economic master plan worth Rs 80,000 crore. Mohol emphasized that the project will attract large-scale investment and spur growth in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, education, and tourism. "Pune is included among the cities being developed as growth engines of the country," he stated, highlighting the city's potential to benefit significantly from the budget provisions.
State Minister Madhuri Misal echoed these sentiments, noting that the Pune Metro, Pune Growth Hub, and the Pune-Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad railway corridor will collectively boost the development of Pune and its surrounding areas. She described the budget as one that will accelerate development, create employment, and propel India towards becoming the world's third-largest economy.
Additional Initiatives for Women and Healthcare
Beyond infrastructure, the budget includes several social welfare measures. Following the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, a new initiative has been announced to provide market access for women's self-help groups. A separate system has been created to encourage women-led industries, which is expected to significantly increase women's participation in the economy. Additionally, the establishment of hostels for women in every district has been proposed.
To strengthen healthcare services, casualty and trauma centres will be started in every district hospital. This move is anticipated to greatly benefit citizens in underprivileged areas, enhancing access to critical medical care.
Broader Implications for Pune's Future
The Union government's funding commitments underscore Pune's strategic importance in India's economic landscape. The Pune Growth Hub project, with its focus on technology and innovation, aligns with national goals of fostering sustainable development and global competitiveness. The metro extension, supported by the Rs 517 crore allocation, will improve urban mobility and connectivity, further integrating the metropolitan region.
As Pune continues to evolve as a key industrial and economic centre, these budgetary provisions are poised to drive long-term growth, attract investments, and create a robust ecosystem for employment and innovation. The collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders ensures a holistic development plan that addresses both infrastructure and social needs.
