MUMBAI, 16 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (GPN): Ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Election Polls estimated to be held in second week of November, the Mahayuti government is positioning itself as a catalyst for economic and industrial growth with major projects that will assist in making and branding Maharashtra outreach on a Global Scale.

Maharashtra is poised to become a major hub in India’s international trade with the inauguration of Vadhavan port project, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Linked directly to the Samruddhi Expressway, the port will improve the state’s access to global markets and further strengthen its trade capabilities.

As the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections approach, the ruling Mahayuti government is focusing on investments, employment generation, and infrastructure growth. With its “(महाराष्ट्र प्रथम, मराठी प्रथम)” Maharashtra First, Marathi First initiative, the government has secured significant projects and funding, aiming to position the state as a leader in sectors like energy and technology, despite opposition parties’ divisive rhetoric.The initiative has attracted substantial investments from both domestic and international source.

A key focus area is the energy sector, where Rs 2.14 lakh crore has been allocated to pump storage projects, expected to generate an additional 40,870 megawatts of power and 72,000 jobs. Deputy Chief Minister and State Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis has played a pivotal role in securing agreements to propel Maharashtra’s energy future, focusing on sustainable development. Ensuring implementation of turnkey projects to bring these plans to fruition.

In another major win, the state has attracted Rs 1.20 lakh crore in investments for the vehicle and energy industries. Notably, a semiconductor facility in Taloja, Panvel, developed in partnership with Tower Semiconductor and the Adani Group, will generate 5,000 jobs. Toyota Kirloskar’s electric vehicle plant in Orik City will also contribute 9,000 jobs, solidifying Maharashtra’s position in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.

To ensure that growth reaches all regional and rural parts of Maharashtra, the government has approved Rs 81,000 crore for seven key projects. These projects focus on vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor chips, and lithium batteries, creating 20,000 jobs and boosting the economies of Konkan, Marathwada, and Vidarbha.

In the agricultural sector, the Rs 7,000 crore Nar-Par Giran river link project aims to irrigate 50,000 hectares of farmland in Nashik, Jalgaon, and Dhule, bringing much-needed water to key agricultural districts. This project is poised to significantly enhance agricultural productivity in these key districts, significantly improving the state’s farming output.

The barometer for gauging the outcome of all the big projects being laid in Maharashtra has been setand accordingly a survey has been conducted.Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is the top choice for the CM’s post if elections were held today as per opinion poll conducted by leading agencies.Survey shows Shri Eknath Shinde leading as top pick for Maharashtra CM’s post.The survey projections for Maharashtra indicated that the BJP is expected to secure between 95 and 105 seats in the 288-member Assembly.The Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena is projected to win 19 to 24 seats, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP is anticipated to bag 7-12 seats.
The Congress is expected to win 42-47 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) is likely to win 26-31 seats.
The Sharad Pawar-led NCP is expected to secure 23-28 seats, while ‘others’ are projected to get 11-16 seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday inaugurated the south-bound arm bridge connecting the Mumbai Coastal Road (MCR) to Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Shinde, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, said that it will be a game-changer project for Mumbai which will make the travel of Mumbaikars pleasant, fast, comfortable and time-saving.

The Chief Minister said that the MCR project will be further extended to Versova, Bhayander and Virar.
“In future, the distance of 3-4 hours from Mumbai to Versova will be covered in just 40 to 50 minutes. The fishing community’s interests have been safeguarded while constructing the bridge which was inaugurated today. This project will further go up to Palghar and the construction of Vadhvan port will also benefit from this coastal road. Along with making Mumbai pothole-free, all the roads will be made of concrete. All measures have been taken to make Mumbai free from traffic jams and reduce pollution,” he added.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office release, Shinde said that the Vadhavan port development is an ambitious project and assured that since its construction till its completion the interests of the locals and fishing community will be protected. The government will take care to ensure that no one is harmed.