Pune, May 23, 2025 — As heavy rainfall continues to lash Pune, particularly in the western suburbs and IT hubs like Hinjewadi, thousands of tech employees are urging companies to reinstate remote working protocols to ensure safety and operational continuity.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Pune, forecasting intense rain over the next 48 hours. With several arterial roads in and around Hinjewadi experiencing severe waterlogging, traffic snarls, and accidents, commuters are finding it increasingly difficult—and risky—to reach office premises.
Hinjewadi, one of India’s most prominent IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) hubs, is home to over 300 companies including major players like Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, and TCS. The sudden intensification of the monsoon has rekindled discussions on the feasibility and benefits of remote work, a model widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Getting to work today was a nightmare. It took me over two hours to cover a 12-kilometre stretch due to flooding and traffic,” said Anjali Mehta, a software engineer working for an MNC in Phase 2 of the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park. “It’s unreasonable to expect employees to brave these conditions when we have fully functional work-from-home infrastructure.”
Remote Work Gains Renewed Support
Many tech professionals have taken to social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, using hashtags like #PuneRains, #Hinjewadi, and #WorkFromHome to voice their concerns and urge employers to prioritize employee safety. A viral thread on Reddit’s r/Pune community has documented traffic bottlenecks, flooded basements, and blocked underpasses in areas surrounding Hinjewadi and Wakad.
Industry experts note that the current situation highlights the need for companies to adopt a hybrid or flexible work policy during weather-related emergencies.
“IT firms should consider dynamic work arrangements that respond to real-time conditions. Pune’s infrastructure has always been challenged by the monsoon. Reverting to remote work, even temporarily, is a logical solution,” said Rohan Deshpande, a business analyst at a Pune-based consulting firm.
Company Responses Vary
While some firms like Persistent Systems and Tech Mahindra have already issued advisories asking employees to work from home until weather conditions improve, others have yet to formally respond. Several HR departments are reportedly evaluating the situation before making a decision.
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued guidelines urging employers across the city to cooperate in reducing commuter volume to ease congestion and avoid accidents.
“We are monitoring water levels, drainage systems, and overall traffic conditions. Citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel and to report any emergencies immediately,” said a senior PMC official.
Conclusion
As Pune grapples with continued monsoon turbulence, the calls for reinstating remote work protocols are growing louder. For an industry accustomed to agility and digital tools, many argue that adapting to climate-related disruptions through flexible working models is not just practical—it’s essential.
Whether this monsoon season pushes the corporate sector toward a more weather-responsive work culture remains to be seen. However, for the techies of Hinjewadi, the message is clear: safety and productivity can go hand in hand, but only if the infrastructure and policies support both.
