Nitin Gadkari's Vision for Nagpur: A Global City by 2026
In an exclusive interview, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari has detailed an ambitious plan to elevate Nagpur to international standards, marking 2026 as a pivotal year for the city's evolution. He emphasized that civic governance must now translate long-term strategies into tangible, everyday benefits for residents, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and economic vitality.
Long-Term Vision: Clean, Green, and Connected
Gadkari's goal is to make Nagpur one of the cleanest, greenest, and most well-connected cities in India. He envisions a pollution-free urban environment with efficient public transport, clean water, scientific waste management, strong logistics, quality education, and sustainable industries. By prioritizing cleanliness and environmental protection, he believes Nagpur can rank among the world's best places to live.
Key Achievements and Future Plans
Water Supply Success: Gadkari highlighted the 24x7 water supply project as the BJP's biggest civic achievement in its 15-year rule at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). This initiative, running for nearly a decade, has eliminated water shortages, with supply ranging from 8-10 hours to full 24 hours in many areas, significantly improving quality of life.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: The redevelopment of Nagpur airport by the GMR group is set to create a world-class facility, with the existing building replaced by a modern terminal and direct Metro connectivity. Delays were attributed to procedural issues, with work expected to commence soon after central cabinet approval.
Waste Management and Revenue: Nagpur has pioneered revenue generation by selling recycled wastewater, earning around ₹300 crore annually from supplying treated water to the Khaperkheda power plant. Under the waste-to-wealth concept, a plant is being set up to produce CNG and hydrogen from garbage, with plans to eliminate dump yards within two years.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Drainage and Flooding: After the 2023 Ambazari lake incident caused flooding, measures like widening nullahs and removing encroachments have prevented similar issues despite heavier rainfall. A ₹2,400 crore project for Nag river rejuvenation, supported by the World Bank and JICA, aims to overhaul the city's drainage system.
Public Transport and Employment: Gadkari stressed the importance of electric buses and Metro expansion to reduce pollution and congestion. He noted that over one lakh jobs have been created in MIHAN, with major IT companies and manufacturing facilities like TAL and Reliance–Dassault providing high-quality employment opportunities.
Engineering and Inclusive Development
Nagpur boasts engineering feats such as double-decker flyovers and integrated transport corridors, setting benchmarks in urban design. The city also features India's first Divyang park for persons with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to inclusive planning.
Gadkari concluded by affirming that merit and credibility will guide BJP's candidate selection in civic polls, ensuring performance and public acceptance take precedence over caste or religion. With continued discipline and planning, he is confident Nagpur will emerge as a logistics hub and a model for urban transformation.
