In a partnership between Singapore and the Maharashtra government, huge urban infrastructure developments are being planned for the Pune Metropolitan Region (7,357 sq km).

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations signed a framework agreement yesterday at the Maharashtra-Singapore Joint Committee meeting in Mumbai. This agreement will facilitate Singapore investments into the state.

Jointly, they will work on a master plan, that will include an airport and will seek collaboration opportunities in Maharashtra's aviation, urban infrastructure and port and logistics sectors.

A MoU was signed between Enterprise Singapore and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to collaborate on the planning and development of the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR). Singapore's Surbana Jurong was appointed as the master planner who is known for his expertise in city planning.

The Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC) also presented a Letter of Award to Changi Airports International (CAI) for advisory services for the proposed new Pune Airport.

Maharashtra's fast-growing IT and manufacturing hub will have Enterprise Singapore, a state agency promoting investments, working with PMRDA to identify key developments in the region. It will attract funding into the city from Singapore companies in urban infrastructure, transport and logistics, and manufacturing by identifying opportunities.

With Singapore's expertise in building smart cities, this development could shift Maharashtra's growth engine from Mumbai to Pune. The agreement is said to set out a concept plan for the city for the next 50 years. The master plan will be completed in 10 months and approved in the next two years. It will have residential areas, logistics parks and container depots with a robust water supply and solid waste management.