Maharashtra Government Greenlights Major Infrastructure Projects Including Gadchiroli Highway
The Maharashtra government, in a significant move on Tuesday, approved a substantial infrastructure boost for the state, with particular focus on the mineral-rich Gadchiroli district. The cabinet infrastructure committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, cleared a revised four-lane cement concrete highway project designed to enhance mineral transportation to Surjagad.
Gadchiroli Highway Project Details and Objectives
Authorities detailed that the upgraded 85.76-kilometer Navegaon More-Konsari-Mulchera-Hedri-Surjagad highway will streamline the movement of minerals from this resource-abundant region. This initiative in the Naxal-affected area is expected to foster economic growth, improve logistics safety, and spur development for tribal communities. The transformation of this vital artery aims to accelerate connectivity, bridging remote interiors to broader markets.
Chief Minister's Directives on Project Execution
Emphasizing strict execution discipline, CM Fadnavis directed that land acquisition and all statutory clearances must be finalized before project commencement. He mandated that any infrastructure project must be completed within three years after land acquisition, warning that delays lead to inflated costs. "Projects must not be allowed to drag on," Fadnavis stated, highlighting the importance of timely delivery.
Additionally, he instructed agencies to ensure space along the Gadchiroli highway corridor for a future gas pipeline to Surjagad. "Provision for the gas pipeline should be made now," he emphasized, underscoring forward-thinking planning for energy connectivity.
Other Key Projects Approved
The meeting also sanctioned several other high-value projects with firm deadlines:
- A 35-kilometer Metro Line 8 linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- A 66.15-kilometer Nashik city ring road, strategically approved ahead of next year's Kumbh Mela to manage anticipated traffic and pilgrim influx.
However, the Gadchiroli decision was particularly notable for its dual focus on industrial logistics and future energy infrastructure in a region that, despite its mineral wealth, has faced infrastructure deficiencies.
Accountability Measures and Additional Instructions
To enforce accountability, the CM called for an 'auto-mode' system that incentivizes contractors with rewards for early completion and imposes penalties for overruns. He further urged agencies to accelerate extended works on the Samruddhi corridor, including the Nagpur-Gondia and Bhandara-Gadchiroli links, and to incorporate a three-year completion clause at the work-order stage.
Meeting Attendees and Presentations
The high-level meeting saw the presence of key officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) OP Gupta, MSRDC Managing Director Anil Gaikwad, MSIDC Managing Director Brijesh Dixit, Additional Chief Secretary (PWD) Manisha Mhaiskar, and CIDCO Managing Director Vijay Singhal. Officials delivered presentations outlining project costs, alignments, and timelines, ensuring a comprehensive review of the proposed initiatives.
