Chief Minister outlines major investments in irrigation, road connectivity, airports, and industrial hubs for balanced regional development.
aharashtra Chief Minister announced in the ongoing Nagpur Winter Session of the State Legislature that Vidarbha and Marathwada regions will be the next major centres of economic growth in the state. The Chief Minister underlined that the state government has prepared a detailed roadmap to strengthen infrastructure in these two regions through projects focusing on irrigation, road connectivity, airports, and industrial development.
Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister said that balanced regional growth is the government’s top priority, and efforts are being made to ensure that every part of Maharashtra contributes to the state’s economic journey. He noted that while Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik have already emerged as leading economic engines, the coming decade will belong to Vidarbha and Marathwada, driven by planned public investment and private sector participation.
Focus on Infrastructure Development
The government has launched several new projects in irrigation, highways, and aviation sectors to boost connectivity and productivity in the region. According to the Chief Minister, large-scale work on major and medium irrigation schemes in Vidarbha is currently underway to improve agricultural output and ensure sustainable water supply for farmers.
Similarly, the Public Works Department (PWD) is executing road development projects to establish seamless connectivity with national highways, industrial corridors, and district headquarters. The CM emphasized that connectivity is key to industrial investment, and with new road networks and upgraded infrastructure, both regions will become more attractive for manufacturing and logistics industries.
Upgrading Airports and Logistics Infrastructure
The Chief Minister also highlighted progress in the upgradation of Nagpur Airport as a cargo and aviation hub, along with plans to expand regional air connectivity to Aurangabad, Nanded, and other parts of Marathwada. The government aims to strengthen these nodes under its regional air connectivity plan so that businesses and industries in interior Maharashtra can connect easily to domestic and international markets.
“This expansion of air networks will not only promote tourism but also open up new opportunities for exports,” the CM added. “Nagpur already serves as a central point for logistics, and it has the potential to become the logistic capital of India with proper last-mile infrastructure.”
Emphasis on Industrial Growth and Employment
Apart from physical infrastructure, the government is also putting renewed emphasis on boosting industrial investment and employment generation. The Chief Minister mentioned that new industrial parks, textile hubs, and food processing clusters are being planned to create job opportunities for the youth in both Vidarbha and Marathwada.
He also informed the Assembly that talks are ongoing with several private investors and multinational companies to explore partnerships in manufacturing, renewable energy, and agri-business sectors. The aim is to bring balanced, sustainable, and inclusive development that benefits rural as well as urban areas equally.
Strong Push for Irrigation and Agriculture Reforms
The CM placed special attention on irrigation reforms, noting that enhanced water management will help farmers improve yield and reduce dependence on rainfall. He referred to new initiatives that will increase water storage capacity and modernize canals and distribution systems.
These measures, the Chief Minister said, would ensure that farmers in drought-prone areas of Marathwada and eastern Vidarbha have more reliable access to water, encouraging crop diversification and better income stability. In addition, agri-industrial linkages such as cold storage and food processing units are being expanded under state and central government schemes.
Transport and Road Connectivity Projects
A detailed outline of ongoing and upcoming transport projects was also presented. Major stretches of state highways linking Nagpur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Aurangabad, and Latur are currently being widened or converted into four-lane roads. Smart infrastructure such as e-way monitoring, road safety technology, and digital traffic systems is being introduced for better management.
The CM mentioned that by improving road and railway networks, both regions would gain faster access to major markets, ports, and industrial clusters, positioning them as strategic trade corridors in Maharashtra’s economic map.
Government’s Vision for Inclusive Development
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the government’s development strategy is rooted in equality and inclusion. “Vidarbha and Marathwada have immense potential in terms of natural resources, skilled manpower, and geographical advantage. We are determined to tap this potential systematically,” he said.
He expressed confidence that over the next few years, continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capital will transform these regions into vibrant growth centers comparable with Maharashtra’s western industrial belt.
Political and Public Reactions
The announcement received a positive response from several legislators and stakeholders representing both regions. Opposition members, while welcoming the intent, urged that implementation timelines and monitoring mechanisms be made transparent. Local business associations and farmers’ groups also expressed optimism, stating that focused investment in irrigation and connectivity could significantly ease unemployment and migration challenges.
The Road Ahead
The Winter Session in Nagpur traditionally serves as a platform for discussing development concerns in Vidarbha, and this year’s session has further solidified the government’s commitment to regional balance. With multiple departments coordinating under a unified growth agenda, Maharashtra is poised to witness a new wave of investments directed toward its eastern and central districts.
