In a significant push to industrial expansion in Vidarbha, the Maharashtra Government’s high-powered committee has approved the acquisition of over 2,700 hectares of land at Saoner MIDC for the proposed Defence Nuclear Aerospace (DNA) Corridor. The decision was taken at the committee’s 186th meeting held at Mantralaya in Mumbai on April 8, chaired by the Principal Secretary (Industries). The approval is expected to fast-track the development of a major defence and aerospace manufacturing hub in Nagpur district. According to officials, a total of 2,721.9491 hectares (around 6,725.98 acres) will be acquired in Saoner tehsil.

 

This includes 2,601.2091 hectares of private land and 120.74 hectares of Government land. The acquisition will be carried out under provisions of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Act, 1961. The proposed corridor is envisioned to host industries linked to aerospace manufacturing, including aircraft, drones and satellite components, alongside defence production such as weapons, missiles and ammunition. It will also cater to nuclear technologies, robotics and advanced engineering sectors, positioning Saoner as a future industrial hub.

 

The project aligns with the Centre’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Similar defence corridors are already being developed in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra has proposed inclusion of key Vidarbha districts, including Nagpur, Amravati and Wardha, under its DNA corridor plan. Dr Ashishrao Deshmukh, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Saoner-Kalmeshwar seat, who has been actively pursuing the project, welcomed the decision and credited sustained follow-up with both the State and Central Government. He had earlier written to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in August 2025, advocating Saoner’s suitability for the corridor. Dr Ashish Deshmukh also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating that the State leadership’s proactive approach helped expedite the approval process. Dr Deshmukh also added that the project is expected to attract substantial industrial investment, generate employment for local youth and drive long-term economic growth in Nagpur and the wider Vidarbha region.