Maharashtra Government Acquires Over 20,000 Acres for Industrial Expansion
The Maharashtra state government has successfully acquired a substantial 20,431 acres of land dedicated to industrial development, marking a significant step toward boosting economic growth in the region. This acquisition was highlighted during a comprehensive review meeting of infrastructure projects held on Tuesday, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis received detailed updates on land availability and ongoing initiatives.
Land Availability and Government Directives
During the meeting, officials informed CM Fadnavis that approximately 8,969 acres of land is currently available with various government departments. Recognizing the huge demand for industrial investment in the state, Fadnavis emphasized the need to streamline land allocation processes. He specifically directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to ensure that acquired land is made readily accessible to entrepreneurs and investors.
Fadnavis pointed out that, in addition to land acquired by the government, private entrepreneurs have also been securing plots, further underscoring the robust interest in Maharashtra's industrial sector. To capitalize on this momentum, he instructed that all necessary assistance be provided at the government level to facilitate smooth land transactions and project implementations.
Growing Investor Demand Across Key Regions
The demand for industrial land is not limited to major metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. It is increasingly spreading to other parts of the state, including:
- Nashik
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Solapur
This expanding interest highlights Maharashtra's appeal as a prime destination for business investments, driven by its strategic location and supportive policies.
Review of Major Infrastructure Projects
Alongside the MIDC's land acquisition efforts, CM Fadnavis conducted a thorough review of several high-profile infrastructure projects managed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Key projects under scrutiny included:
- Shaktipeeth Expressway
- Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor
- Nagpur-Gondiya Expressway
- Bhandara-Gadchiroli Expressway
- Nagpur-Chandrapur Expressway
- Navegaon-Surjagad Mineral Corridor
- Jalna-Nanded Expressway
Fadnavis set an ambitious timeline for these projects, stating that all ongoing initiatives in the state should be planned for completion within three years. To achieve this goal, he called for an acceleration of the land acquisition process, ensuring that plots are secured from maximum contiguous areas that are not forest lands.
Proposals to Boost Industrial Investment
In a move aimed at further stimulating industrial growth, Fadnavis proposed that government lands from various departments be transferred for industrial use free of cost. This initiative is expected to:
- Provide plots to entrepreneurs at low rates
- Boost industrial investment across Maharashtra
- Enhance employment generation opportunities
By reducing land costs, the government aims to attract more businesses, fostering a conducive environment for economic development and job creation.
Environmental Considerations and Ministerial Assurance
Addressing environmental concerns, Industries Minister Uday Samant assured that no forest land was acquired during the land acquisition process in the Konkan region. This statement underscores the government's commitment to balancing industrial expansion with ecological preservation, ensuring sustainable development practices are upheld.
The comprehensive review and strategic directives issued by CM Fadnavis reflect Maharashtra's proactive approach to leveraging land resources for industrial advancement. With a focus on expediting projects and supporting investors, the state is poised to strengthen its position as a leading hub for business and infrastructure development in India.
