Maharashtra Secures Major Industrial Investments for Nashik Region from Davos Forum
In a significant boost for industrial development, Maharashtra Industry Minister Uday Samant revealed on Sunday that the state government has successfully signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth a staggering Rs 48,659 crore for industrial investments across the Nashik region. These agreements were finalized during the prestigious World Economic Forum meeting held in Davos last month, marking a substantial achievement for the state's economic outreach.
Massive Job Creation and Regional Development
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Nashik, Minister Samant emphasized that these projects are projected to generate nearly 70,000 employment opportunities for the youth. The benefits will span across five key districts in the region: Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbar. This initiative aims to foster regional growth and provide substantial livelihood options for local communities.
Exponential Growth in MoU Values and Implementation Rates
Samant highlighted the remarkable growth in the volume of MoUs signed at Davos over recent years. He noted, "A few years ago, Maharashtra's MoUs were valued at approximately Rs 1.7 lakh crore, which has now surged to an impressive Rs 30 lakh crore as of January 2026." Furthermore, he added that the implementation rate of projects secured through these MoUs has exceeded 75%, indicating a strong track record of turning agreements into tangible industrial developments.
Progress on Mahindra & Mahindra Plant in Igatpuri
Addressing specific queries about the proposed Mahindra and Mahindra manufacturing plant at Igatpuri, Samant confirmed that land acquisition by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is actively underway in Adwan village. He detailed that the original plan to acquire 700 acres has been revised to 360 acres following constructive discussions and consent from local farmers, ensuring a more streamlined and community-friendly approach.
Dismissing any speculation about the project potentially relocating to Nagpur, Samant firmly stated that the company remains fully committed to establishing the plant in Nashik district. He has directed the concerned authorities to expedite the land acquisition process to facilitate timely project commencement.
Political Criticism Over Historical Comparisons
In a separate development, Minister Samant also took the opportunity to criticize state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal for his recent comments comparing Tipu Sultan with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Samant termed these remarks as "unfortunate" and alleged that Sapkal's statements were an attempt to appeal to a particular community for political gains, sparking controversy in the political arena.
This announcement underscores Maharashtra's proactive efforts in attracting industrial investments and fostering economic growth, with the Nashik region poised to become a hub for significant industrial activity and job creation in the coming years.
