Chakan, 14th August 2026: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Friday alleged that entrepreneurs who have raised concerns over the poor roads, traffic congestion and infrastructure in Chakan MIDC are receiving threat calls and facing pressure to remain silent.
Pawar, who visited Chakan to meet small entrepreneurs and understand their concerns, claimed that several industrialists who were scheduled to meet him backed out after allegedly receiving calls from the office of state Industries Minister Uday Samant.
тАЬSome entrepreneurs from Chakan MIDC were supposed to meet us today, but they received calls from the Industries MinisterтАЩs office asking why they were speaking about the issue and warning that they could face problems,тАЭ Pawar alleged.
He further claimed that people who had spoken about ChakanтАЩs infrastructure problems were being warned that their businesses could face difficulties. While some entrepreneurs continued to meet him, others declined, he said.
PawarтАЩs visit comes amid concerns that 20 small companies in the Chakan industrial area are considering relocation because of pothole-ridden roads, traffic congestion, pollution and inadequate water, power and other infrastructure. The companies employ more than 2,000 workers, according to NCP (SP) leaders.
Highlighting the condition of the roads, Pawar said it took him nearly two hours to travel towards the MIDC area and he had still not reached its core.
тАЬThe condition of even the roads at the entrance to the MIDC is terrible. Such roads increase vehicle maintenance costs, delay the movement of material and make it difficult for workers to reach their workplaces on time,тАЭ he said.
Pawar said poor infrastructure could also discourage companies from investing in Maharashtra.
тАЬIf companies coming from outside see garbage, bad roads and traffic, they may feel it is better to go to another state,тАЭ he said.
He said the issue extended beyond existing companies and workers, as deteriorating infrastructure could affect future investment and employment opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
Pawar urged the state government and administration to intervene urgently and address the road, traffic and civic infrastructure problems in Chakan.
