Nagpur Aims for Global Status with Ambitious Development Plan
Nagpur stands at a crucial juncture as it approaches municipal elections on January 15. Union Minister and local Member of Parliament Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a comprehensive vision to elevate the city to international standards. In an exclusive conversation with The Times of India, Gadkari emphasized that 2026 will mark a decisive phase for Nagpur's growth trajectory.
The minister stressed that civic governance must translate long-term strategies into tangible, everyday benefits for residents. He highlighted three core priorities: sustainability, efficiency, and economic vitality. According to Gadkari, the coming year should build upon existing infrastructure progress while striving for global benchmarks in cleanliness, connectivity, and overall quality of life.
Building an International City
When asked about his long-term vision for Nagpur, Gadkari responded with clear objectives. "My goal is to make Nagpur a truly international city," he stated. "That means it should rank among the cleanest, greenest, and best-connected urban centers in India." The minister outlined specific parameters for this transformation:
- Pollution-free environment with efficient public transport
- Comprehensive waste management and clean water supply
- Strong logistics networks and sustainable industries
- Quality education infrastructure and economic vibrancy
Gadkari placed particular emphasis on cleanliness and environmental protection as top priorities. "If we maintain discipline and follow proper planning, Nagpur can become one of the world's best places to live," he asserted.
Governance and Civic Achievements
With municipal elections approaching, Gadkari discussed the significance of local body polls. "Local elections represent a genuine test of governance," he explained. "They function as a referendum on everyday civic matters—water access, road conditions, sanitation services, and public amenities."
The minister noted that citizens evaluate performance based on daily experiences rather than political speeches. "When civic services function properly, people respond positively," he observed. "Municipal elections ultimately concern daily life quality, not mere slogans."
Reflecting on his party's fifteen-year administration at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Gadkari identified water supply as the most significant achievement. "Nagpur pioneered India's first 24x7 water supply project," he revealed. "This system has operated successfully for nearly a decade."
The minister contrasted current conditions with previous shortages. "Earlier, water scarcity occurred regularly," he recalled. "Now supply ranges from ten hours minimum in some areas to twenty-four hours in most localities. Water shortage has disappeared completely, dramatically improving living standards."
Candidate Selection and Infrastructure Progress
Addressing candidate selection for upcoming elections, Gadkari emphasized merit-based criteria. "Tickets should go to individuals who enjoy public support and confidence from party workers," he declared. The minister explicitly rejected considerations of caste, religion, language, or individual pressure. "Performance and public acceptance must determine candidate selection," he insisted, noting that multiple ward-level surveys have assessed existing performance.
Regarding the delayed Nagpur airport redevelopment, Gadkari provided updates. "The new airport, to be constructed by the GMR group, will feature world-class facilities," he confirmed. "The existing structure will be replaced with a modern terminal having international-standard access roads."
The minister explained that Metro connectivity will extend directly to the airport. "Delays resulted from procedural requirements rather than political factors," he clarified. "The proposal may reach the central cabinet next month, and we anticipate work commencement shortly afterward."
Financial Innovations and Waste Management
Gadkari highlighted how Nagpur's water project strengthened municipal finances. "Our corporation became India's first to generate revenue through recycled wastewater sales," he announced. "We earn approximately ₹300 crore annually by supplying treated wastewater to MSEDCL's Khaperkheda power plant." This nine-year practice ensures both water security and financial stability.
The minister addressed waste management challenges with specific solutions. "We've transitioned from waste dumping to value creation," he stated. "Legacy garbage has been cleared, and reclaimed land now serves productive purposes."
Segregation forms the cornerstone of this approach. Nagpur receives about 1,200 tonnes of daily garbage, which will undergo complete segregation and recycling—including glass and metals. Under the waste-to-wealth concept, facilities will produce CNG and hydrogen from garbage, while organic waste will generate fertilizers.
"Within two years, citizens won't encounter any garbage dumpyards in the city," Gadkari promised.
Urban Transformation and Flood Management
The minister cited dump yard conversions as exemplary urban reclamation. "We transformed a ninety-acre municipal dump yard into Symbiosis International University's world-class campus," he noted. "Hundreds of students now study there." The Narsee Monjee group is establishing another comprehensive educational campus, enabling quality education within Nagpur rather than requiring students to travel to Mumbai or Pune.
Addressing urban flooding concerns following September 2023's deluge, Gadkari acknowledged historical problems. "Last year, heavy rainfall submerged Shankar Nagar areas, causing life and property losses," he recalled. "This year, despite higher rainfall, those areas remained flood-free."
This improvement resulted from systematic interventions: nullah widening, encroachment removal, and drainage basin strengthening at locations including Ambazari. "We're methodically fixing the drainage network," the minister assured.
Infrastructure Development and Engineering Milestones
Gadkari detailed structural measures for drainage concerns. "Drainage represents complex, capital-intensive work," he acknowledged. "That's why ₹2,400 crore has been sanctioned for the Nag River rejuvenation project with World Bank and JICA assistance."
Initial work will cover three assembly segments, but plans encompass the entire city—including new drainage systems. Nagpur Improvement Trust and Nagpur Municipal Corporation are preparing a comprehensive master plan covering all rivers and nullahs.
Responding to criticism about infrastructure quality, Gadkari asserted: "Quality remains non-negotiable." He pointed to concrete roads across most areas and reduced pothole occurrences. "Overall standards have improved significantly," he maintained, citing multi-level transport corridors that reduce congestion and set engineering benchmarks.
The minister highlighted specific engineering achievements. "Nagpur pioneered double-decker flyovers at two locations," he explained. "The Wardha Road structure spans three tiers from Ajni Square to Airport T-Point, while the Kamptee Road flyover features four tiers from LIC Square to Automotive Square."
One location integrates multiple transport layers: a road below, railway line above, then flyover and Metro corridor. "This establishes a world record in urban transport design," Gadkari stated proudly. He also mentioned India's first Divyang park for persons with disabilities, reflecting inclusive urban planning.
Transportation and Economic Connectivity
Public transport occupies central importance in Gadkari's vision. "Strong public transport remains essential for addressing pollution and congestion," he emphasized. Nagpur's city bus fleet is gradually transitioning to electric vehicles, with diesel buses being phased out and charging infrastructure developing accordingly.
"Within coming years, all public transport buses will operate on electric power," Gadkari projected. Metro expansion continues toward outer areas like Kamptee and Butibori. The minister believes comfortable, reliable, and affordable public transport will naturally reduce private vehicle usage.
Connectivity proves critical for Nagpur's economic future. "The city's zero-mile location provides natural advantages," Gadkari noted. "Highways, railways, air connectivity, and logistics parks can collectively establish Nagpur as India's logistics capital."
Thousands of crores in investments are flowing into logistics, manufacturing, and agro-processing sectors. Gadkari collaborates with Devendra Fadnavis to transform Nagpur into India's logistics hub, with new highways connecting Nagpur to Hyderabad and Gadchiroli to Visakhapatnam.
Employment Generation and Recreational Development
Addressing employment concerns, Gadkari provided specific figures. "Over one lakh people have gained direct employment in MIHAN," he reported. "These are audited numbers, with many more jobs in development."
Six major technology companies—including TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Mahindra-Satyam—employ thousands of software engineers. TAL Manufacturing Solutions produces parts for Airbus and Boeing, while the Reliance–Dassault facility manufactures Falcon aircraft and Rafale fighter plane components. "These represent high-quality, sustainable employment opportunities," Gadkari emphasized.
Regarding the Oxygen Park on Wardha Road, Gadkari acknowledged visitor numbers below expectations. "The project is expanding," he revealed. "Phase two will introduce a bird park and adventure sports facilities."
The forest department has sanctioned ₹22 crore, while National Highways Authority of India allocates ₹50–60 crore for traffic-related works. "Once these facilities become operational, the park will attract significantly more citizens," Gadkari concluded optimistically.
