Maharashtra's Vidarbha region will soon become India's steel and logistics hub, given its vast mineral resources and geographical location with investment commitments worth Rs 6 lakh crore, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday.
Maharashtra's Vidarbha region will soon become India's steel and logistics hub, given its vast mineral resources and geographical location with investment commitments worth Rs 6 lakh crore, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday.
"Vidarbha is home to 75% of Maharashtra's minerals and 80% of its forests. It can become logistics capital. There are airports being developed and a major infrastructure push is being given," Gadkari told NDTV Profit.
Maharashtra's eastern region, which houses the state's second capital of Nagpur, will benefit from coal and iron ore deposits, that will be utilised to make low-emissions green steel, he said.
"Vidarbha's coal stock makes it a power hub. Surjagarh's iron ore is of 65 grade, which requires lesser thermal coal. Vidarbha will be a steel hub going ahead. The coal economy here has untapped potential," Gadkari said.
Besides logistics and steel, the minister highlighted Vidarbha's tourism potential with national parks in Tadoba and Pench becoming a globally-renowned tiger hub. Moreover, cotton and pharma industries are also set to take off.
Nitin Gadkari also appreciated turnaround in Naxalite-hit Gadchiroli district, with former left-wing extremist rebels giving up violence and joining the mainstream.
"Naxalites have given up and joined hands with industries. Gadchiroli used to be the capital of Naxal movement and we solved the socioeconomic problem there. We are building road infra worth Rs 1,500-2,000 crore in Gadchiroli. Readymade garments, technical centers, skill centres have been established there," he said.
The second edition of the 'Advantage Vidarbha 2025' conclave, organised by Association for Industrial Development, was organised from Feb. 7 to 9 in Nagpur.
Watch Nitin Gadkari's full interview here:
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