Katol says cheers to Reliance’s Rs1,500cr non-alcohol drink hub The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has finalized the acquisition of over 160 acres of land in Katol for Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) to establish a Rs1,500 crore non-alcoholic beverage hub. The project aims to create a centralized manufacturing facility for soft drinks, fruit juices, and energy beverages, with plans to produce iconic brands like Campa and Sosyo. Campa, a revived 1970s-era brand, and Sosyo, a 100-year-old Gujarat-based brand, will be key products under Reliance’s umbrella. The site, located in Nagpur’s district, is expected to become a major food processing hub, complementing existing operations by the Patanjali group in the Mihan-SEZ area. Reliance’s project will be implemented in phases over five years, with an initial focus on setting up the core manufacturing infrastructure. The company has requested 164 acres for the project, and MIDC has secured the majority of the land, with the remaining parcel expected to be acquired soon. Once operational, the hub is projected to generate approximately 500 direct jobs and four times that number in indirect employment, boosting local economic activity. Orange growers in Katol, a key orange-growing region, are optimistic about the project’s potential to elevate their produce’s market value. Similar benefits were observed in Vidarbha after the establishment of a processing plant in Nanded by Sahyadri Farms, which improved prices for winter crops. Manoj Jawanjal, director of Mahaorange—a state agency promoting orange exports—highlighted the significance of such anchor projects for farmers. “Corporate buyers like Reliance can significantly increase the demand for oranges, ensuring better prices for growers,” he said.#katol #mukesh_ambani #mahi_ambani #midec #relance_consumer_products
Three people, including a four-year-old girl, were killed and a woman critically injured in a head-on collision between two motorcycles near Katol on Monday evening. The incident occurred on the Katol-Saoner road close to Zilpa village. The deceased were identified as Satish Dhawale, a 25-year-old laborer from Sawangi Tomar, Rajendra Khandate of Lohgarh, and his four-year-old niece Aarohi. Rajendra’s wife sustained severe injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition. According to police, the accident happened around 5:30 p.m. when Dhawale was returning home from Isapur after work. At the same time, Khandate was traveling in the opposite direction with his wife and niece as his pillion riders. Preliminary investigations suggest Dhawale attempted to overtake another vehicle at high speed, veered onto the wrong side of the road, and collided head-on with Khandate’s motorcycle. The impact threw all four occupants onto the road. Dhawale, Khandate, and the child died on the spot due to severe head injuries. None of the victims were wearing helmets, police stated. The incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the importance of wearing protective gear. Authorities are currently conducting a full inquiry into the circumstances leading to the collision. The lack of helmet use among the victims has been highlighted as a critical factor in the severity of the injuries. Local residents expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, with many calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents. The accident occurred in a region where road accidents are a recurring concern, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and awareness campaigns.#katol #saoner_road #zilpa_village #satish_dhawale #rajendra_khandate
