Working for inclusive, developed Maharashtra: Governor highlights Fadnavis govt’s initiatives
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Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan addressed both Houses of the state Legislature on Monday. He said that Maharashtra is a top choice for foreign investments and contributes more than 14% to India’s GDP, making it one of the country’s leading industrial states. He also mentioned that the government is working to create an inclusive and progressive Maharashtra that brings together all communities.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025, the state signed agreements for investments worth about Rs 15.72 lakh crore with 63 companies from India and abroad. These deals are expected to create over 1.5 million jobs in Maharashtra. In addition, the government plans to provide an Investment Promotion Subsidy of roughly Rs 5,000 crore to various industries to attract more investments, boost industrial growth, and generate employment.
Through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, the government has decided to allocate around 3,500 acres of industrial land to encourage further industrial development. To meet the growing demand for industrial space, an additional 10,000 acres will be set aside for industrial use. Moreover, the state will develop 10 Integrated Industrial Parks and Integrated Logistics Parks to foster industrial growth, improve supply chain efficiency, and build a world-class business environment.
The government has also approved the Maharashtra Technical Textiles Mission to strengthen the textile sector. Maharashtra is the first state in India to launch such a mission, which aligns with the Centre’s National Technical Textiles Mission, reaffirming its leadership in the industry.
In infrastructure projects, the government is moving forward with the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. This expressway, estimated to cost Rs 86,300 crore, will connect key religious and pilgrimage sites, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth in the region. However, some farmers and opposition groups have protested, claiming that the expressway might negatively affect agriculture in Kolhapur and nearby areas.
The government is also set to construct 7,480 km of cement-concretised roads under various Public Works Department schemes to improve road durability, connectivity, and safety. Starting April 1, toll collection across the state will be done exclusively through FASTag to increase efficiency, reduce congestion, and promote digital payments.
Under the centrally sponsored PM E-Bus Seva Yojana, the first phase has sanctioned 1,290 buses for 20 Municipal Corporations, along with financial support to develop bus depots in these areas.
Additionally, a new Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy will be implemented from April 1 for the next three years. This policy offers incentives for electric vehicles and encourages the scrapping of old ones, aiming to lower the state’s carbon footprint and support eco-friendly transportation.
The government has signed agreements with 13 agencies for 38 Pumped Storage Projects through Public-Private Partnerships. These projects will generate 55,970 megawatts of power, attract an investment of Rs 2.95 lakh crore, and create over 90,000 jobs, helping improve electricity storage and grid stability.
Lastly, in line with India’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2070, the state has installed 312,000 solar pumps under the ‘Magel Tyala Saur Pump Yojana’ to assist farmers with water for agriculture. The plan is to provide a total of 1 million solar pumps to farmers over the next five years.