4 Major Expressways Approved for Vidarbha: Maharashtra's Infra Leap

In a bold step towards enhanced connectivity, the Maharashtra cabinet's infrastructure committee, under CM Devendra Fadnavis, has cleared four expressway initiatives in Vidarbha totaling 547 km. Announced Thursday, these access-controlled highways will bridge the state's eastern and western extremities via swift corridors, fueling economic integration. Breaking down the projects: Nagpur to Gondia, Bhandara to Garhchiroli, Nagpur to Chandrapur expressways, plus the greenfield Navegaon More-Konsari to Surajgarh road. Fadnavis instructed swift action on next steps, stressing on-time delivery to unlock Vidarbha's potential as a growth engine linking Maharashtra's diverse regions. A key directive targets linking the mineral-rich Navegaon More-Surajgarh stretch to the Samruddhi Mahamarg for seamless logistics. The CM also mandated feasibility studies for a tunnel road from western Maharashtra to Konkan, demanding a detailed project pitch. Fadnavis envisioned, 'Superior infrastructure will drive an integrated, rapid, and inclusive growth trajectory for the state.' This approval signals Maharashtra's infrastructure-first strategy amid rising regional aspirations. Complementing these moves, he facilitated a landmark MoU for the Africa India International Development Zone in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar. Partnering CIDCO with Africa India Economic Foundation, it establishes an SPV featuring the AIBC Tower for diplomatic offices, conference facilities, exhibition spaces, cultural hubs, R&D centers, MSME support for bilateral trade, hotels, and ancillary infrastructure. On the tech front, an MoU with AM Intelligence Labs heralds a ₹1,14,000 crore, 500 MW green data center and AI hub in Mumbai's metro area. Powered entirely by renewables, it will generate 800 jobs, enable AI training at scale, data handling, cloud services, and propel Maharashtra into AI leadership while advancing green tech and employment.