Nashik Mayor Announces Major Skill Development University and Industrial Infrastructure Initiatives
In a significant move aimed at boosting local employment and industrial growth, newly elected Nashik Mayor Himgauri Aher has unveiled ambitious plans for the city. During an interactive meeting with industry representatives on Sunday, Mayor Aher announced that the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) will establish a skill development university to equip youths with industry-oriented capabilities.
Addressing the Skill Gap with a New University
The proposed skill development university is designed to directly address the growing demand for skilled manpower across various sectors. Mayor Aher emphasized that this initiative responds to repeated concerns from industrial associations about a persistent skill gap in the region. The civic administration has already begun identifying suitable land for the project, ensuring that specialized courses will be tailored specifically to meet the requirements of industries in and around Nashik.
"We need to strengthen skill-based education for the new generation," Mayor Aher stated during her address. "This university will play a key role in shaping a capable workforce for both existing and future industries, ensuring that our youth receive practical training relevant to emerging industrial needs."
Immediate Infrastructure Upgrades for Industrial Zones
Responding to long-pending demands from industrialists, Mayor Aher made concrete commitments regarding infrastructure improvements. She assured that two major roads in the Ambad and Satpur MIDC areas will be upgraded with white topping within the next 100 days. Industrial representatives had highlighted the poor condition of roads within these industrial estates, which fall under NMC jurisdiction.
Aher acknowledged these concerns and committed to prioritizing road improvement works to support industrial growth and enhance logistics efficiency. Nashik is home to two major MIDC industrial estates—Ambad and Satpur—which together host more than 4,000 industrial units employing over 2.5 lakh workers.
Long-Term Financial Commitment to Industrial Development
Looking beyond immediate repairs, Mayor Aher announced that NMC will create a dedicated financial provision for industrial infrastructure in its annual budget starting from the next fiscal year, 2026-27. These funds will be specifically earmarked for maintenance, upgradation, and long-term development of essential facilities within industrial zones.
Deputy Mayor Vilas Shinde, who was also felicitated along with Mayor Aher by the industrial fraternity during the event, assured full cooperation to industries. He acknowledged their significant contribution to the civic body's tax revenues and emphasized the municipal corporation's commitment to supporting industrial growth.
Broader Civic Transformation Ahead of Kumbh Mela
Mayor Aher also highlighted the ongoing civic transformation in preparation for the Kumbh Mela, revealing that over Rs 30,000 crore worth of works are currently underway through the municipal corporation and various government agencies. She stressed that these projects are being designed for long-term benefit and will continue to serve city residents for the next two decades.
A "Centre for Excellence" will be established with support from expert committees to ensure quality, sustainability, and usability of projects beyond the Kumbh period. Beautification efforts across Nashik will also be intensified in the coming months as part of this comprehensive development plan.
Industry Requests and Future Collaboration
During the meeting at NIMA House, which included representatives from Nashik Industries and Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), Ambad Industries and Manufacturers' Association (AIMA), and various other industry bodies, several requests were put forward by industrial leaders.
NIMA president Ashish Nahar urged the mayor to introduce a city bus service connecting Nashik city with Nashik Airport due to rising passenger footfall. He also requested that local industries be given opportunities to undertake certain Kumbh-related works, fostering greater collaboration between the municipal corporation and the industrial sector.
These announcements mark a comprehensive approach to urban development that balances immediate infrastructure needs with long-term educational and economic planning, positioning Nashik for sustainable growth in the coming years.
