Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, unveiled 'Mahakhanij 2.0' — an upgraded digital portal for minor mineral governance — during a state Cabinet meeting in Mumbai. Developed by the Revenue Department, the platform is designed to bring real-time oversight, end-to-end transparency, and automation to mineral extraction, transport, permitting, and monitoring across Maharashtra. The revamped system targets ₹25,000 crore in state revenue over the next five years, a significant step up from the ₹16,000 crore generated by its predecessor over the last five years.

What Mahakhanij 2.0 Replaces

The earlier iteration of Mahakhanij relied heavily on manual processes and paper-based permits, which the government acknowledged created severe operational and monitoring challenges — including vulnerability to mineral theft and revenue leakage. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule spearheaded the digital overhaul, which eliminates paper transport permits entirely in favour of a QR code and barcode-based digital permit system (DigiTP).

Digitised panchnamas (site inspection reports), notices, and automated fine collection are designed to remove human interference from enforcement, while penalties for non-compliance will now be computed automatically by the system according to violation type.

Technology Stack Behind the Portal

Vehicles transporting minerals will be tracked in real time using a combination of GPS, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Geofencing. Instant automated alerts will be triggered if a vehicle deviates from its designated route. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video analytics have been integrated to accelerate administrative decision-making, according to a government statement.

Advanced surveying tools — including drones, LiDAR, bathymetric surveys, and remote sensing technology — will be deployed to accurately map mining sites and clamp down on illegal excavation and unauthorised mineral transit. The portal also integrates with key government platforms including VAHAN, Mahabhulekh, Land Records, DigiLocker, BPMS, CCTV networks, and automated weighbridges.

Centralised Monitoring and Field Deployment

A state-level round-the-clock monitoring centre will operate out of Konkan Bhavan, providing centralised surveillance over mining permits, vehicle movements, and quarry activities statewide. The Konkan Division Commissioner has been designated as the State Coordinator for the initiative.

At the district level, a Dedicated District Executive will be posted at every District Collectorate. Custom Android and iOS applications have been rolled out for field officers and staff to facilitate on-ground enforcement and compliance.

Public Grievance Mechanism

A standalone Grievance Redressal System backed by a 24×7 Call Centre (helpline: 08065070555) has been set up to address queries from the public and business operators. The infrastructure positions Mahakhanij 2.0 as a cornerstone of Maharashtra's broader digital governance ambitions.

With the system now operational, the government's stated next step is full statewide rollout and integration monitoring — the true test of whether the technology can translate into measurable curbs on illegal mining and a demonstrable revenue uptick.