Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 17: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the holistic development of the Marathwada region, assuring focused efforts across key sectors including industry, employment, agriculture, information technology, and infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion of Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day after flag hoisting and paying homage at the memorial, he expressed confidence that the Mahayuti government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, would continue to work for the region’s welfare and progress.
Fadnavis highlighted the progress made since the 2023 state Cabinet meeting held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, stating that implementation of key decisions is underway at a rapid pace. He said the city is now emerging as the electric vehicle (EV) capital of the country and announced that a Rs 2,700 crore scheme for drinking water supply to the city has been approved. He added that projects like the Samruddhi Highway and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor have transformed the city into a prime destination for investors, citing Hyundai’s recent investment as proof.
He noted that the railway coach factory in Latur is nearing completion and is expected to generate around 14,000 jobs. He also said that ongoing infrastructure works in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and other parts of Marathwada are crucial to the region’s development. The long-awaited railway line from Ahilyanagar to Beed is also becoming a reality.
To address Marathwada’s chronic drought problem, the chief minister said water from the Krishna valley has already been brought in, with plans to bring floodwaters from Sangli and Kolhapur to Ujani in the second phase. Additionally, 54 TMC of water from the Ulhas valley will be diverted to Marathwada. He said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be ready by December, followed by the tendering process in early 2026.
Fadnavis announced financial support for key religious sites, including Rs 61 crore for Ghrishneshwar Temple, Rs 541 crore for Tuljabhawani Temple, and the approval of the Aundhya Nagnath temple plan. Under various welfare schemes, 94 buses have been provided under the Manav Vikas Program and 115 buses to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He also reported the establishment of 916 Anganwadis, the formation of 26,500 new self-help groups connecting 2.70 lakh women, and the distribution of Rs 95 crore under the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Adarsh Shala Yojana.
A total of Rs 253 crore has been allocated for monuments and temples, while road works worth Rs 3,121 crore are in progress. He added that infrastructure projects worth Rs 7,719 crore have been launched under the Hybrid Annuity model, and 70 per cent of the new Beed Zilla Parishad building has been completed. Of the four lakh planned irrigation wells, 30,000 have been completed and work on 1.14 lakh wells is underway. Fadnavis insisted that the cabinet meeting held last year was not ceremonial but a commitment being translated into action.
The Chief Minister also extended condolences to those who lost their lives in the recent heavy rains across the state. He assured immediate assistance to all affected families and emphasized the government’s strong support for farmers and villagers facing hardship due to the rainfall.