Automobile giant Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M) is going to invest Rs 15,000 crore in the State to further expand its presence at three locations including Nagpur. The company will set up its largest integrated manufacturing facility for automobiles and tractors in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here on Friday. Fadnavis made this announcement during the inauguration of three-day Advantage Vidarbha Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav 2026 organised by the Association for Industrial Development (AID), at University Campus, at Amravati Road. This investment will be implemented in phases over the next ten years, with production likely to commence from 2028. Fadnavis appreciated Mahindra & Mahindra for its ambitious decision to invest Rs 15,000 crore. The Chief Minister stated the company will help to create multiple industrial “magnet hubs” in Nagpur which will attract development of surrounding districts.

 

While talking about development of Gadchiroli, Fadnavis said, “The identity of the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district will be transformed into the ‘Green Steel Hub of India’ soon.” By creating a comprehensive steel ecosystem in Gadchiroli, steel will be supplied to the world at rates cheaper than China, expressed Fadnavis with confidence. State Industries Secretary P Anbalagan provided information on three upcoming industrial clusters in Maharashtra and said that by 2047, Vidarbha would contribute substantially to the nation’s development. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari presided over the event. AID President Ashish Kale gave the introductory remarks.

 

The programme was anchored by Vasundhara Kashikar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Executive Member Nirbhay Sancheti. Prominent dignitaries present at the inauguration included Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Revenue Minister; Adv Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Finance; Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Education; Ajay Sancheti, former MP (Rajya Sabha); Dr P. Anbalagan, State Industries Secretary; Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Minister’s Chief Financial Advisor; Rajesh Jejurikar, CEO, Mahindra & Mahindra; Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Group (Airports); Balasubramaniam Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals and Energy, Padma Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, Chairman, Solar Group; Neeladevi Nuwal; Atul Goel, Chairman, Goyal Ganga Group; Jean Touboul, CEO and MD, Pernod Ricard India; Parinay Fuke, MLC; Dr Manali Makarand Kshirsagar, Vice Chancellor, RTM Nagpur University; Vijaykumar Sharma, Secretary, AID; Sanjay Gupta; Girdhari Mantri; Ashok Goyal; Prasanna Deshpande; Nirbhay Sancheti; Prasanna Mohile; Vinod Tambi; Nikhil Gadkari; Rajesh Rokde; Ravi Bortarkar; Prashant Ugemuge; Mahesh Sadhwani; Alok Khandelwal; Ajay Kapoor; Mahendra Kshirsagar and Rajesh Bagdi were also present on the dais.

 

 

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari emphasised that as large-scale investments and industries are coming to Vidarbha, there is an urgent need to create skilled manpower to meet industrial requirements. He underlined the importance of industrial growth for overall regional development and poverty alleviation. He also stressed identifying the unique strengths of each district—for example, cotton-producing districts could develop cotton-based industries. By recognising the strengths of all districts, export-oriented industries can be created, said Gadkari. Referring to the high-quality iron ore in Gadchiroli, he noted that the district has the potential to become a global steel hub. He also appreciated the Association for Industrial Development for successfully ensuring the inclusion of tourism-related recommendations in the state’s industrial policy.