Maharashtra Government Advances Major Industrial Project in Gadchiroli
Nagpur: The path has been cleared for one of Maharashtra's most significant industrial land acquisitions, with the state government moving forward to secure 3,000 hectares (over 7,400 acres) of land for JSW Group's ambitious Rs1 lakh crore steel plant in Gadchiroli district. This week, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) submitted a formal proposal to the sub-divisional officer (SDO) for acquiring the extensive land parcel spread across 14 villages in Chamorshi tehsil.
Major Land Acquisition Initiative
This acquisition represents one of the largest land buyouts ever undertaken by a state government agency in recent industrial history. Under the established pass-through method, MIDC will purchase the land directly from local landowners and subsequently transfer it to JSW Group, with the company reimbursing the acquisition costs. The formal proposal from MIDC marks the penultimate step in this complex land acquisition process.
Following scrutiny of the proposal, the SDO is expected to issue an official notification for land acquisition, which will initiate the final procedural phase. Government sources confirm that the proposal has already received necessary clearances from state authorities, meaning the notification cannot be withheld, though routine administrative scrutiny will still occur.
JSW's Transformative Steel Project
JSW Steel's managing director Sajjan Jindal first announced plans for this transformative 25 million tonne capacity steel plant during last year's Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav industrial event. Industry analysts predict this facility will serve as a game-changer for Gadchiroli district's economic development, potentially creating thousands of jobs and stimulating regional infrastructure growth.
The procedural groundwork has been thoroughly established, with the earmarking of this specific land parcel for industrial use already completed. This comprehensive preparation ensures the project can progress efficiently once the land transfer is finalized.
Growing Industrial Hub in Gadchiroli
Gadchiroli district is rapidly emerging as a significant steel production corridor in Maharashtra. Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) already operates a steel plant in Konseri, located approximately 30 kilometers from the proposed JSW site in Chamorshi. MIDC has received acquisition proposals from nearly a dozen other companies seeking to establish or expand industrial operations in the region.
Among these, LMEL has submitted proposals to expand its existing steel plant area, while Surjagad Ispat—which already secured 350 hectares for an integrated steel plant in the district—has initiated the second phase of its land acquisition process. Sources indicate Surjagad Ispat plans to acquire an additional 1,000 acres, with procedures already completed for 400 acres of this expansion.
Recent Industrial Developments
The industrial momentum in Gadchiroli continues to accelerate. During the third edition of Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav held this month, Kolkata-based Supersmelters Limited announced plans to establish a steel plant in the district. Additionally, Nagpur-based Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited signed a memorandum of understanding during the World Economic Forum at Davos for a similar facility in Gadchiroli.
These developments collectively signal Gadchiroli's transformation into a major industrial destination, with the JSW project serving as the centerpiece of this economic evolution. The successful acquisition of 3,000 hectares will mark a critical milestone in realizing Maharashtra's industrial growth objectives while potentially transforming the economic landscape of the Gadchiroli region.
