Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. (PTI File)
The government’s flagship initiative, ‘Maharashtra First, Marathi First’, has attracted substantial investments from both domestic and international sources
As the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the Mahayuti government is ramping up efforts to boost job opportunities and drive economic growth across the state.
The government’s flagship initiative, ‘Maharashtra First, Marathi First’, has attracted substantial investments from both domestic and international sources, with the aim of positioning Maharashtra as a leader in sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure.
ENERGY SECTOR, JOBS
In the energy sector, a staggering Rs 2.14 lakh crore has been allocated to pump storage projects. These initiatives are expected to generate 40,870 megawatts of clean energy and create approximately 72,000 jobs.
Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been instrumental in securing key agreements to bring these plans to fruition.
Further bolstering the state’s industrial prospects, Maharashtra has secured Rs 1.20 lakh crore in investments for the vehicle and energy industries. Notably, a semiconductor facility in Taloja, Panvel, is being developed in partnership with Tower Semiconductor and the Adani Group. This project alone is anticipated to create 5,000 jobs. Additionally, Toyota Kirloskar’s electric vehicle plant in Orik City is set to provide 9,000 new jobs, underscoring Maharashtra’s emerging role in the electric vehicle market.
INFRASTRUCTURE, INDUSTRIES
Infrastructure development is another priority, particularly in underdeveloped areas like North Maharashtra. The government has approved Rs 18,000 crore for the Manmad-Indore railway line, a project that will establish 30 new stations and improve connectivity across 1,000 villages, benefiting around three million people. This improved infrastructure is expected to spur industrial growth in the region.
In the agricultural sector, the Rs 7,000 crore Nar-Par Giran river link project aims to irrigate 50,000 hectares of farmland in Nashik, Jalgaon, and Dhule, bringing much-needed water to key agricultural districts. This project is poised to significantly enhance agricultural productivity in these areas.
To ensure balanced regional development, the Mahayuti government has allocated Rs 81,000 crore for seven major projects across Konkan, Marathwada, and Vidarbha regions. These initiatives focus on industries such as vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor chips, and lithium batteries, with the potential to create 20,000 jobs.
Additionally, the government is focussing on development of Vadhvan Port, with support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to transform Maharashtra into a key player in international trade, providing the state with greater access to global markets.
