Is Viksit Maharashtra Making a Special Contribution Towards Viksit Bharat?

Mumbai, Aug 15 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized on Friday that the state is advancing swiftly within India’s comprehensive development framework, asserting that Viksit Maharashtra is playing a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is consistently evolving. In just ten years, India has ascended from being the eleventh-largest economy to now being the fourth-largest globally. Currently, Maharashtra is progressing rapidly within this development paradigm. Viksit Maharashtra is crucial in realizing the dream of a Viksit India. The narrative of national development will persist. The Prime Minister’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat is vital, and it is imperative that we collaborate to make India self-sufficient,” he stated.

Following the flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the nation’s 79th Independence Day at Mantralaya, the chief minister declared that no force can halt India’s developmental journey. The country is advancing across various sectors, including a significant stride in the space domain. To achieve self-reliance, it is essential to manufacture quality products and systems domestically. “We must foster innovation, startups, and technology to match global standards. India is on this trajectory,” he mentioned.

In reference to Prime Minister Modi’s advocacy for Swadeshi, the chief minister urged collective efforts to fortify the nation towards self-reliance by embracing indigenous products wherever feasible.

“During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army showcased the nation’s strength. The operation effectively dismantled terrorist bases with precision, mitigating threats to India. Consequently, the world has recognized the essence of the new India. I extend my gratitude to all Army personnel involved in Operation Sindoor,” he added.

Highlighting Maharashtra’s significant role in attracting foreign direct investment, CM Fadnavis noted that the state accounts for 40% of the nation’s total FDI. “This influx of investment is generating substantial employment opportunities. Maharashtra leads in the manufacturing, import-export, and startup arenas. This is a significant race for development. The state is proactively cultivating human resources alongside enhancing the educational framework. In the future, Maharashtra will contribute to the national development landscape through skilled and trained workforce,” he remarked.

CM Fadnavis announced Maharashtra’s initiative to provide free electricity to farmers for 12 hours daily, facilitated by the world’s largest distributed solar project, currently under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana. “Once complete by December 2026, farmers will benefit from this consistent power supply, making Maharashtra the first state to deliver 100% green electricity,” he highlighted.

“Extensive work is underway in irrigation, especially through river linking initiatives, including the Wainganga and Nalganga schemes, aimed at alleviating drought in North Maharashtra and Marathwada by channeling water from the Godavari basin. These projects will position Maharashtra as a vital state in creating abundant water reserves for drinking and agricultural needs,” the chief minister elaborated.

In the agricultural sector, efforts are being made to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and safeguard against climate change, the CM noted.

CM Fadnavis commended the security forces and police for maintaining law and order in Maharashtra. Gadchiroli is reportedly nearing the eradication of Maoist presence. “Gadchiroli is on the path to becoming the new steel hub of India. Over the next decade, it will develop the largest steel capacity in the nation,” he added.

According to the chief minister, Maharashtra is at the forefront of infrastructure development. “Numerous infrastructure projects are in progress within the state. Efforts are underway to enhance roads and airports, including the development of Vadhavan Port, which ranks among the world’s top ten ports, positioning Maharashtra and India as emerging maritime powers. Furthermore, the construction and modernization of airports in Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Gadchiroli, Amravati, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are in progress,” he stated.

CM Fadnavis highlighted the 701 km Samruddhi Mahamarg and the proposed ₹86,000 crore Shaktipeeth Mahamarg, which are establishing a comprehensive highway network. Additionally, there are plans to develop concrete roads to every village with a population of up to 1,000. He concluded that Maharashtra will play a pivotal role in India's ongoing development narrative.