#devendra_fadnavis

Gadchiroli Talukas Receive 20,000 Smokeless Stoves to Combat Air Pollution The government, in collaboration with private partners, has completed the free distribution of 20,000 smokeless stoves across Gadchiroli's Dhanora and Etapalli talukas. This initiative is expected to save an estimated 41,000 tonnes of firewood annually, according to the district collector's office. The stoves, designed to burn firewood with near-complete combustion, significantly reduce indoor air pollution and lower fuel consumption. Officials noted that beneficiaries have reported a marked decrease in indoor smoke and improved air quality in their homes. A smokeless stove, or smokeless chulha, operates through a secondary combustion chamber that burns unburnt gases escaping the primary fire, converting them into heat rather than smoke. Engineered vents supply controlled oxygen to ensure cleaner burning and greater thermal efficiency. The collector's office stated that over 19,600 families have adopted the improved stoves, with around 95% reporting a substantial reduction in the time spent on cooking and collecting firewood. This shift has freed up time for education and self-employment, particularly benefiting women who previously spent hours daily gathering fuelwood. Before the initiative, many households relied heavily on forest resources for fuel, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. The introduction of smokeless stoves has reduced firewood dependence, contributing to conservation efforts. The project is projected to prevent approximately 9,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.#devendra_fadnavis #gadchiroli_talukas #district_collector_office #dhanora_taluka #etapalli_taluka

Bhandewadi India’s 1st Integrated Solid Waste Processing Facility: CM Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that Nagpur is set to become a national model for scientific waste management with the commissioning of India’s first integrated municipal solid waste processing facility. The Rs300-crore project, developed by international waste-management company SusBDe under a public-private partnership model, is designed to convert the city’s garbage into biogas, compost, and industrial fuel. Fadnavis, who inspected the facility at Bhandewadi, emphasized that the project would transform the concept of a “garbage-free city” by ensuring nearly all municipal waste is scientifically processed rather than dumped in landfills. The facility, established on 30 acres of land provided by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, is expected to process 1,200 metric tonnes of wet and dry waste daily once fully operational. The project is being implemented in three phases and is projected to become fully functional by August. According to officials, the waste will be converted into biogas, compost fertilizer, and fuel pellets. A key component of the initiative is the production of 28 tonnes of biogas per day, which will supply green energy in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) for 198 city buses. This will significantly reduce dependence on conventional fuels and strengthen Nagpur’s sustainable transport ecosystem. Fadnavis highlighted that the project would generate annual royalty revenue of Rs15 lakh for the municipal corporation through gas sales. He noted that the facility is entirely funded by private investment, sparing the civic body from capital expenditure and reducing recurring costs associated with waste disposal.#nagpur #bhandewadi #devendra_fadnavis #nagpur_municipal_corporation #susbde

Drones Aid Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Dens in Nagpur Following the Pune hooch tragedy that claimed 15 lives, Maharashtra authorities have intensified efforts to combat illicit liquor production. Nagpur Rural and City Police have launched a coordinated operation using drone surveillance, raids, and legal action to dismantle illegal liquor networks. The crackdown, initiated after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed a CID probe into the Pune incident, has led to the seizure of significant quantities of illegal liquor and the arrest of multiple individuals involved in its production and distribution. On Saturday, Nagpur Rural Police, under Superintendent of Police Harssh A Poddar, raided a major illegal Mahua liquor unit in Ramti, Narkhed. The operation resulted in the registration of 10 cases under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, with seven individuals arrested. Authorities confiscated 465 liters of crude liquor, 410 liters of raw materials, 25 bottles of foreign liquor brands, and 13 bottles of country liquor, totaling an estimated value of Rs81,000. Operational hand kilns were destroyed on-site, and four additional individuals were booked for consuming illicit liquor. The use of drones has been central to the operation, with rural police resuming surveillance to target hidden hooch dens in dense forests and tribal areas of Hingna and surrounding talukas. A major production unit was destroyed in Chandrapur Rithi village, Hingna taluka, by the crime branch under Crime Branch Chief Ravinder Singal, Joint Commissioner Navinchandra Reddy, and Deputy Commissioner Rahul Maknikar. Searches were also conducted in Bhiwsenkhori and adjacent areas. Jt CP Reddy reported that 40 cases were registered against bootleggers and liquor-related offenses in the city on Friday.#devendra_fadnavis #navinchandra_reddy #harssh_a_poddar #ravinder_singal #rahul_maknikar

Maharashtra Govt Committed to Addressing Maratha Quota Demands While Protecting OBC Interests: Fadnavis Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s dedication to resolving the Maratha reservation issue while safeguarding the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) amid ongoing protests and legal challenges. Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized that any decisions on reservation policies must adhere to constitutional and judicial guidelines, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding the matter. He stated that the Mahayuti government, led by him and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has already taken “unprecedented steps” to address Maratha concerns without compromising OBC benefits. The government’s stance comes as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange continues his indefinite hunger strike from Antarwadi Sarati village in Jalna, demanding Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Marathas to access OBC reservation benefits. Jarange also called for the implementation of records from the Hyderabad and Satara Gazette and the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters during previous agitations. Fadnavis assured the Maratha community that the government would not “pit one community against another,” reaffirming its commitment to equitable distribution of reservation benefits. Fadnavis stressed that the government would follow the Constitution of India and directives from the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court, warning that decisions made outside these frameworks might gain public attention but would fail legal scrutiny. He acknowledged the long-standing apprehensions of OBC organizations, which fear that extending reservation benefits to Marathas could dilute opportunities for backward communities.#devendra_fadnavis #bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #eknath_shinde #manoj_jarange

Maharashtra Unveils India’s First ‘Water 7/12’ System to Track Every Drop Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to implement a groundbreaking “Water 7/12” system, a comprehensive initiative designed to scientifically record, audit, and regulate water usage. The system, modeled after the traditional land record document known as the Saatbara (7/12) land extract, aims to create structured records of water availability, usage, inflow, outflow, and balance at the gram panchayat and watershed levels. The proposal was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at Mantralaya on Monday, following directives from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting brought together senior officials from the revenue, rural development, water conservation, and water supply departments to discuss the framework’s implementation. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing absence of a structured water accounting system in the state. While Maharashtra already maintains an extensive land documentation system through the 7/12 extract, officials noted that no parallel mechanism exists for systematically documenting and monitoring water resources. This gap has made it difficult to regulate consumption, enforce accountability, or accurately assess local water stress. The proposed system will initially be piloted in selected regions before a broader rollout across the state. The concept of a “Water Audit” and “Water Balance Sheet” was developed by AqVerium in collaboration with IIT Bombay water expert Avinash Kadam and economist Uday Nair. The framework outlines an annual classification and auditing process in three stages to generate transparent, data-driven assessments of local water reserves.#maharashtra #iit_bombay #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #aqverium

Samruddhi E-way Extension To Boost Industries In Eastern Vidarbha: CM The Maharashtra government has announced plans to extend the Samruddhi Expressway into eastern Vidarbha, a move expected to significantly enhance regional economic growth. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the project’s importance during an inauguration event for the Godam Logistics Park, stating that completing the extension within the scheduled timeline is a top priority. The extension, which will add approximately 400 kilometers of six-lane highway, aims to reduce logistics costs, generate employment, and position the region as a key industrial hub. Fadnavis highlighted that the Samruddhi Expressway extension will serve as a critical infrastructure link, fostering industrial development in eastern Vidarbha. He noted that the project’s success hinges on its ability to lower transportation expenses and create job opportunities on a large scale. Additionally, he praised the state’s logistics policy, which has already transformed Nagpur into a national logistics hub. According to Fadnavis, the proliferation of logistics parks across the state will further reduce costs, a necessity for competing globally and integrating into international supply chains. The Samruddhi Expressway extension is currently in advanced preparation stages. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has nearly completed joint land measurements for the extension toward Gondia and Gadchiroli. As of now, 104 out of 113 villages on the Gondia route and 58 out of 62 villages on the Bhandara leg have been surveyed. However, challenges remain, including an alternative alignment for the Chandrapur extension. The original route faced obstacles due to the discovery of coal blocks, prompting the need for a revised plan.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #samruddhi_expressway #msrdc #godam_logistics_park

Vidarbha’s 550-km Expressway Network Gets Approval for Rs 51,906 Crore Projects The Maharashtra government has approved four major access-controlled expressway projects spanning nearly 550 kilometers across Vidarbha, marking a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and boosting industrial and mining development. The projects received administrative clearance during an Infrastructure Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Mantralaya. These initiatives are expected to strengthen links between eastern and western Maharashtra while fostering economic growth in the region. The approved projects include the Nagpur-Gondia Expressway, Bhandara-Gadchiroli Expressway, Nagpur-Chandrapur Expressway, and the Navegaon More-Konsari (Chandrapur) to Surjagad Greenfield Road (Gadchiroli). Together, they will cost Rs 51,906.35 crore, with civil construction estimated at Rs 32,478 crore. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will oversee their execution. During the meeting, Fadnavis directed officials to expedite procedures to ensure the projects are completed between September and December 2028. Fadnavis emphasized the strategic importance of the Navegaon More–Surjagad corridor for mineral transportation, suggesting its integration with the Samruddhi Expressway to improve freight movement. He also ordered a feasibility study for a tunnel road connecting Western Maharashtra with the Konkan region. Among the approved corridors, the Nagpur–Chandrapur Expressway will be the longest at 204.799 km, followed by the Nagpur–Gondia Expressway at 162.377 km. The Bhandara–Gadchiroli Expressway will cover 94.241 km, while the Navegaon More–Konsari to Surjagad Greenfield Road will span 85.765 km.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #msrdc #nagpur_gondia_expressway #bhandara_gadchiroli_expressway

Maharashtra CM Urges Fuel Conservation Amid Global Supply Crisis Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned on Sunday that India could face fuel shortages if citizens do not heed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for restraint in oil and gas consumption. Fadnavis cited disruptions to global supply chains caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has led to severe shortages and soaring prices in several countries. He emphasized that the situation requires careful management to avoid similar challenges in India. Fadnavis addressed the issue during a media interaction in Nagpur, responding to queries about Modi’s recent appeal for reduced fuel usage. The Prime Minister had urged Indians to use petrol, diesel, and gas with “great restraint,” stating that lower consumption would help conserve foreign exchange and mitigate the economic impact of the war. Modi also highlighted India’s efforts to bolster energy security through initiatives like solar power expansion, ethanol blending, and the growth of compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure. Fadnavis acknowledged that Modi’s measures have ensured stable fuel supplies so far, but warned that complacency could lead to shortages. “If we do not understand this difficulty and do not use these resources properly, then we too may have to face shortages,” he said. The CM’s remarks came amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The blockade has disrupted fuel flows, driving prices sharply higher in countries like Pakistan, where fuel costs have reached around Rs450 per litre. The appeal for conservation aligns with Modi’s broader strategy to reduce India’s reliance on imported energy.#strait_of_hormuz #narendra_modi #devendra_fadnavis #west_asia #maharashtra_cm

Maharashtra Govt Approves Rs 3 Crore for NASA Trip for 51 Science Expo Winners Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has approved over Rs 3 crore to send 51 school science exhibition awardees on an eight-day educational trip to NASA in the United States under the Mukhyamantri Vidyarthi Vigyan Yatri scheme. The initiative, conceived by state education minister of state Pankaj Bhoyar, was approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the recent assembly session. The scheme aims to enhance the quality of science exhibitions by linking them to educational opportunities at prestigious institutions like NASA and ISRO. The NASA trip will include 51 students, along with a male teacher, a female teacher, and two administrative officers. The expenditure will be drawn from the state education budget under the State Science Education Institute. Students will be selected from those who top the state-level science exhibition across general, divyang (persons with disabilities), and tribal categories in both primary and secondary groups. The allocation for the 51 seats is as follows: 17 for the primary general category, 18 for the secondary general category, four each for the primary and secondary divyang categories, and four each for the primary and secondary tribal categories. A committee chaired by the director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Pune will oversee the selection and planning for the NASA visit. The scheme, cleared by the Cabinet on March 24, connects school science exhibitions at three levels—taluka, district, and state—to progressively higher-profile educational visits. At the district level, 180 students and eight supervisors will visit ISRO in Bengaluru, with a per-person ceiling of Rs 35,000, funded through DPDC allocations.#nasa #devendra_fadnavis #maharashtra_govt #pankaj_bhoyar #mukhyamantri_vidyarthi_vigyan_yatri

Vivekanand Nagar’s Lone Playground Left Neglected, Locals Seek CM’s Help Residents of Vivekanand Nagar in Nagpur have raised concerns over the severe neglect of the neighborhood’s sole playground, which has deteriorated into an unsafe and unusable space. The community has turned to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address the issue, highlighting systemic failures in maintaining public infrastructure. The playground, located near a local Ram Mandir, was once a vibrant hub for sports activities, hosting cricket and handball matches with amenities like floodlights, water supply, and a seating gallery. However, years of disrepair have left it in a state of abandonment. Society secretary Vinay Nagdev described the current condition as alarming, noting that the ground is now waterlogged during monsoons, riddled with potholes, and surrounded by overgrown trees that pose safety risks. The absence of electricity and water supply has further rendered the space inaccessible. Nagdev emphasized that the playground is the only open recreational area for four to five colonies, making its neglect particularly detrimental to the community. Residents allege that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has failed to perform routine maintenance, allowing the site to fall into disrepair. The lack of upkeep has also led to an increase in anti-social activities, with the once-crowded spectator stands now serving as gathering spots for criminal elements. Nagdev stated that locals have repeatedly reported these issues but have received no meaningful response from authorities. The situation has intensified criticism of civic governance, with residents accusing the NMC of neglecting public spaces across the city.#nagpur #devendra_fadnavis #nmc #ram_mandir #vivekanand_nagar

LITU Set To Be Global Hub For Chemical Engg: CM Fadnavis Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University (LITU) is embarking on a transformative expansion project aimed at establishing itself as a global leader in chemical engineering education and research. The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, involves a substantial investment of 223.59 crore rupees to develop a modern campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The groundbreaking ceremony, marked by a bhoomi pooja performed by Fadnavis, was hailed as a historic milestone for the institution. The proposed campus will feature a range of infrastructure, including an administrative building, laboratory complex, auditorium, workshop block, and a canteen. Key additions include a petrochemical research lab, a management studies school, and a dedicated incubation centre to foster innovation and support start-ups. Residential facilities will be expanded with a girls’ hostel and a 500-bed boys’ hostel to accommodate students from diverse regions. Fadnavis emphasized that LITU has long been a cornerstone of chemical engineering education in the region but faced challenges due to outdated infrastructure. By granting the university autonomy, the government aims to unlock its potential and position it as a full-fledged institution capable of competing with global standards. “The vision is to build LITU into an institution comparable to leading international universities, particularly in fields like chemical engineering, where it already has a strong foundation,” Fadnavis stated. He highlighted the university’s role in producing skilled professionals who will contribute nationally and globally.#devendra_fadnavis #laxminarayan_innovation_technological_university #laxminarayan_institute_of_technology #atul_vaidya #laxminarayan

CM Devendra Fadnavis Inspects Infrastructure Projects, Criticizes Congress Party's State in Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, visited Nagpur on Saturday to review major government infrastructure projects and address deficiencies in their execution. During the inspection, he highlighted concerns about the state of the Congress party in Maharashtra, describing its condition as "very fragile" and attributing the situation to broader organisational weakening. Fadnavis, representing the ruling BJP, emphasized that the party's internal affairs were an internal matter but expressed sympathy for its workers, stating, "When I see the condition of such an old party, I feel for its workers." The CM’s visit included inspections of key projects at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), Mankapur Sports Complex, and the upcoming Collectorate and Divisional Commissioner complexes. While acknowledging that most work had been completed satisfactorily, Fadnavis pointed out specific shortcomings in some projects. He directed officials from the public works and medical education departments to address these gaps, stressing that "no lapses should remain in the works of the government." Fadnavis reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for high-quality treatment for patients and robust infrastructure for medical students. He noted that the state’s hospitals already have skilled doctors and capable systems, but the recent expansion of the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJAY) has begun generating revenue through insurance reimbursements. This scheme, which covers healthcare services in government hospitals, has improved financial sustainability for these institutions.#maharashtra #bjp #devendra_fadnavis #congress_party

Project DREAM Transforms Abandoned Buildings Into Digital Libraries In Rural Nagpur In rural Nagpur, a once-neglected landscape of abandoned halls and dilapidated schoolrooms has been reimagined as vibrant centers of learning. The Nagpur Zilla Parishad’s Project DREAM has converted 100 unused structures into digital libraries, blending community input with modern infrastructure to create spaces that reflect the aspirations of local villagers. This initiative, which began with a simple yet innovative approach, has sparked a transformation that extends beyond physical upgrades, reshaping governance and education in the region. The project, an acronym for Dedicated Rooms for Empowerment, Awareness and Motivation, was launched with a unique method: villagers were invited to envision their ideal library. Instead of imposing standardized designs, the Zilla Parishad collected thousands of postcards featuring sketches, written ideas, and aspirations from schoolchildren, women, youth, and sarpanches. These submissions, written in Marathi, Hindi, English, or simple drawings, became the blueprint for each library. “We did not want to impose a design,” said ZP Chief Executive Officer Vinayak Mahamuni. “The idea was simple—ask people what they want, and build exactly that.” Each village’s library was tailored to its specific needs, with residents choosing wall colors, furniture, seating arrangements, the number of computers, and even the atmosphere they wanted the space to evoke. With an investment of approximately ₹8-10 lakh per site, these buildings were transformed into CCTV-enabled learning hubs.#devendra_fadnavis #vinayak_mahamuni #niti_aayog #nagpur_zilla_parishad #belona_sarpanch

CM Devendra Fadnavis Reviews Key Infrastructure Projects in Nagpur Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday addressed the condition of the Congress party in the state, describing it as "very fragile" and emphasizing that the party's internal affairs were an organisational matter. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the party, he expressed empathy for its workers, stating, "When I see the condition of such an old party, I feel for its workers." Fadnavis maintained a cautious distance from direct political commentary, focusing instead on his ongoing efforts to review and improve infrastructure and healthcare projects in Nagpur. During his visit to the city, Fadnavis inspected several key government infrastructure initiatives, including the Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Indira Gandhi Govt Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), Mankapur Sports Complex, and the upcoming Collectorate and Divisional Commissioner complexes. He highlighted deficiencies in project execution, directing officials to address gaps and ensuring "no lapses remain in the works of the government." While acknowledging that most projects had been completed effectively, he pointed out specific shortcomings in some areas, emphasizing the need for improved quality and efficiency. Fadnavis also underscored the administration's commitment to strengthening public healthcare systems. He reiterated the importance of providing quality treatment to patients and ensuring that medical students receive robust infrastructure and education. "Patients must receive quality treatment, and medical students should get strong infrastructure and education," he stated, reflecting the dual focus on healthcare delivery and academic standards.#nagpur #maharashtra #devendra_fadnavis #iggmch #mahatma_phule_jan_ayogya_yojana

Ex-Maharashtra Home Minister Demands Death Penalty for Accused in Pune Girl's Rape-Murder A 4-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and murdered by a 65-year-old man in Bhor tehsil, Pune district, according to police. The accused allegedly lured the child with the promise of food, took her to a shed in a cattle enclosure, and committed the crime. The incident, which occurred on Maharashtra Day, has sparked outrage among local leaders and activists. Ex-Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, demanded the death penalty for the accused, calling the crime "extremely outrageous." He criticized the state government for failing to implement the Shakti Act, a proposed law aimed at strengthening protections for women and girls. Deshmukh, who previously served as home minister during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, stated that the Shakti Act was approved by his administration but remains pending final approval from the central government. He accused the Centre and Maharashtra’s Devendra Fadnavis-led government of passing the buck on the law’s implementation. "When there is an urgent need for this law in the state, the Centre and the state government are passing the buck to each other instead of implementing it and wasting time," he said. Deshmukh also claimed that the accused may have a history of assaulting young children, questioning how such individuals are allowed to roam freely in society. The Maharashtra legislative council passed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2026, in March, incorporating provisions from the Shakti Bill. The bill includes safeguards for acid attack survivors and stricter penalties for online sexual harassment.#devendra_fadnavis #nationalist_congress_party #ex_maharashtra_home_minister #anil_deshmukh #shakti_act

Maharashtra Chief Minister Urges Language Learning, Condemns Violence in Name of Language Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of learning Marathi for all residents of the state during a speech on Maharashtra Day, while strongly condemning any form of violence or conflict associated with the language. Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis highlighted the need for linguistic unity and cultural pride, stressing that Marathi should serve as a unifying force rather than a tool for division. He reiterated that while the state encourages its citizens to embrace the Marathi language, any act of aggression or hostility under the guise of linguistic identity is unacceptable. Fadnavis addressed the growing emphasis on Marathi education, stating that all individuals residing in Maharashtra should make an effort to learn the language. He noted that the government and society would support those who have not yet acquired Marathi, ensuring access to resources and guidance. The chief minister also underscored the importance of preserving the language as a symbol of the state's heritage and identity, while advocating for inclusive policies that respect the diverse linguistic landscape of Maharashtra. The remarks came in the context of recent government directives mandating the use of Marathi in specific sectors, including the transportation industry. Officials had recently issued instructions requiring auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to communicate in Marathi, a move that sparked discussions about the balance between linguistic promotion and individual rights. Fadnavis clarified that such measures aim to foster a sense of belonging and cultural continuity, rather than impose restrictions.#devendra_fadnavis #marathi_language #maharashtra_chief_minister #maharashtra_day #maharashtra_economy

Ready But Shut: Dipti Signal Flyover Awaits ‘VIP Opening’ The 4-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Dipti Signal in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has been fully constructed by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (MRIDC), also known as MahaRail, but remains closed to the public. Officials confirmed the project is complete, yet the bridge awaits a formal inauguration by high-profile guests, leaving commuters to endure daily traffic congestion. The delay has sparked frustration among residents, who question why the structure cannot be opened immediately despite its readiness. The Dipti Signal ROB, spanning 1,320 meters, is designed to alleviate traffic bottlenecks at railway crossing 73, a long-standing congestion point between Itwari and Dighori railway stations. The bridge connects Bhagwan Sambhavnath Chowk to Dipti Signal Road and is part of a broader initiative to eliminate railway level crossings and improve urban mobility. Managed by MahaRail’s managing director Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, the project was developed under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) at a cost of Rs 151 crore. It includes a connection to Kalamna Road, which is still under construction, and a roundabout at the merging point to optimize traffic flow. Despite its completion, the bridge has not been made available to the public. Commuters continue to face snarls, with residents expressing exasperation over the delay. A local resident noted, “This is not the first time such delays have occurred due to VIP inauguration protocols.” Similar delays were observed with the Wadi flyover, which was temporarily opened to the public on a trial basis while awaiting its official inauguration. Citizens are now urging MahaRail to adopt a similar approach for the Dipti Signal ROB, requesting a trial opening to ease traffic before the VIP ceremony.#devendra_fadnavis #rajesh_kumar_jaiswal #dipti_signal_rob #maha_rail

Maha orders 600 air coolers for Nagpur govt girls hostels Nagpur: After days of mounting complaints from girl students enduring extreme heat in government hostels, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed the installation of 600 air coolers in Nagpur facilities and mandated similar arrangements across Vidarbha. The decision is expected to benefit over 1,000 girls residing in government hostels across the city. The move follows a letter dated April 28 from nearly 100 residents of a government girls’ hostel in Besa, where temperatures hovering around 45°C left students struggling without cooling support. The students highlighted that existing policy rules prohibited the installation of coolers, a stance reiterated by hostel authorities and social welfare officials, who cited a lack of provision and funding approval. The students wrote that rising temperatures had caused severe physical distress during exam season, with several developing skin infections linked to prolonged exposure to heat. Officials informed the inmates that rules were framed by bureaucrats in Mumbai without considering Vidarbha’s extreme climate, with no provision for coolers in hostels. The absence of flexibility in the policy effectively blocked any interim relief, despite repeated appeals. A signed petition was forwarded to the chief minister’s office through BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari, corporator Ritesh Gawande, and member Vaibhav Bawankar. Acting on the representation, the CM directed secretary Asha Pathan and the social welfare department to immediately relax norms and facilitate cooling arrangements.#nagpur #devendra_fadnavis #vidarbha #maharashtra_chief_minister #girls_hostels

Bawankule Slams MSEDCL for Power Cuts Amid Nagpur Outages Nagpur: Revenue and former energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has launched a sharp critique of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), accusing the utility of systemic failures that have led to frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations across the city. Speaking on Monday, Bawankule emphasized that the state does not face an electricity shortage but is grappling with unreliable distribution, which he attributed to lapses at multiple levels within the organization. The minister highlighted that the root of the problem lies in administrative inefficiencies, pointing to shortcomings among wiremen, technical staff, deputy engineers, and executive engineers. He described the current situation as "unacceptable," stressing that the fault for repeated disruptions lies with the system rather than a lack of generation capacity. Bawankule noted that while the state has sufficient power generation, the distribution network is failing to deliver electricity reliably to consumers. The criticism comes amid heightened demand during the peak summer season, which has placed immense pressure on an already strained infrastructure. Reports of recurring outages and voltage fluctuations have emerged from several regions, including Nagpur, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents. The Times of India has previously flagged the growing strain on aging infrastructure, which has exposed vulnerabilities in MSEDCL’s network and triggered frequent tripping incidents. Bawankule, who also serves as the guardian minister for Nagpur and Amravati, announced that a high-level meeting of power utility officials and engineers has been convened to address the crisis.#nagpur #times_of_india #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule

Nagpur to Implement GIS-Based System to Address Repeated Road Digging Nagpur’s civic administration is set to launch a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based overhaul to tackle the persistent issue of repeated road excavations and poor infrastructure restoration. Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, during an exclusive interview with The Times of India, emphasized the need for coordinated planning, technological integration, and financial discipline to address systemic challenges in urban governance. The initiative aims to align with the vision of senior officials, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, to ensure sustainable development and improved citizen services. Itankar highlighted that the recurring problem of road digging stems from fragmented operations among multiple agencies, which lack a unified system to track underground utilities. This results in roads being repeatedly excavated, causing inconvenience to residents and weakening road structures. “Repeated excavation without proper coordination is the root cause,” he said. “Poor restoration further exacerbates the issue, making roads more vulnerable to damage.” He stressed that addressing this cycle is critical, as standalone pothole repairs will not resolve the underlying problems. The long-term solution, according to Itankar, involves creating a centralized GIS platform that will map all underground utilities, including roads, pipelines, sewer networks, electrical lines, and telecom cables. This system will provide real-time visibility of infrastructure, minimizing unnecessary digging and enabling scientific restoration. The platform is also expected to support future projects such as gas pipeline installations and smart city expansion.#nagpur #municipal_commissioner #times_of_india #devendra_fadnavis #vipin_itankar