Nagpur: CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday unveiled an ambitious set of initiatives for Vidarbha in the Maharashtra Budget for 2026-27, positioning Nagpur as a future economic growth hub while announcing investments in infrastructure, health, irrigation, industry and aviation across the region.The Budget brings major relief for thousands of Vidarbha’s cotton and paddy farmers through the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme. Eligible farmers with overdue crop loans as of Sept 30, 2025, will receive waivers up to Rs2 lakh, while those repaying loans timely get Rs50,000 incentive grants.The Budget outlines plans to develop Nagpur as a major growth centre through the creation of “New Nagpur”, a trade and financial district, and the expansion of transport networks, alongside large-scale projects aimed at boosting employment and connectivity in several districts.Officials said the govt aims to transform Nagpur into a major economic node. “Through New Nagpur, the govt is determined to develop the district as a growth hub of the state,” they said, while also proposing the establishment of a new Nagpur Trade and Finance Centre on the lines of one at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).Infrastructure projects formed a central component of the proposals. The govt announced a new ring road for Nagpur city to ease congestion and improve traffic flow, while new industrial and logistics corridors connecting Nagpur with Gondia, Bhandara, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur to the Samruddhi Expressway are expected to strengthen regional connectivity.The Budget also included provisions for establishing a Geotechnology Application Centre in Nagpur and setting up a Maharashtra Public Health Institute in collaboration with national institutions like IIM to support high-quality training and research at AIIMS, Nagpur.A State Disaster Response Force facility will be developed at Mihan here, aimed at strengthening emergency response infrastructure for central India. One of the most important financial commitments announced in the Budget was for irrigation. The state allocated approximately Rs95,000crore for the ambitious Wainganga-Nal Ganga river linking project, which is expected to expand irrigation capacity across Vidarbha.“The project has the potential to transform the irrigation landscape of Vidarbha,” officials said, describing it as a key step towards addressing long-standing water shortages in the region’s agrarian districts.The govt also proposed major initiatives in the cultural and creative sectors. A third state film city will be developed at Navargaon in Ramtek taluka of Nagpur district, aimed at encouraging film production and creating employment opportunities for artists and technicians in Vidarbha. Alongside this, the second phase of Ramtek Development Plan will be implemented to promote tourism and infrastructure in the historic town.Industrial expansion in Gadchiroli featured prominently in the Budget announcements. The govt reiterated plans to develop the district as a “Gadchiroli Steel Hub”, with an estimated investment of Rs2.61 lakh crore and the potential to generate 70,895 jobs. Authorities also outlined plans to plant five crore trees as part of biodiversity conservation efforts linked to the project.In aviation infrastructure, land acquisition for the greenfield airport in Gadchiroli was already completed, while night-landing facilities will be introduced at airports in Amravati and Yavatmal. Funds were also earmarked for the expansion of Amravati, Akola and Yavatmal airports.To mark Sant Gadge Baba’s 150th birth anniversary, the govt will develop a special “Teerthkshetra Circuit” connecting his birthplace, workplaces and memorial sites. Separate funding is allocated for developing various Mahanubhav Panth religious sites in Vidarbha.The Budget includes cultural and heritage initiatives as well. A Timber Museum and Xylarium will be set up in Ballarpur in Chandrapur district to preserve the region’s teak heritage and support research and awareness about forest resources.Education and tourism projects are also part of the plan. In Amravati, the govt will establish Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh Educational Complex to bring multiple education department offices on one campus. Officials said the Budget reflects a broader effort to address long-standing development demands from Vidarbha.
