Maharashtra Cabinet approves Mega National Logistics Hub at Nagpur to boost Vidarbha’s economy
NAGPUR : The Maharashtra Logistics Policy-2024, approved in the State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, aims to transform Nagpur into a prominent Logistics Hub. The policy, formulated based on the State Economic Advisory Council”s recommendations, envisions the development of the State over the next decade. It is anticipated to generate approximately 5 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities and an income of around Rs 30,000 crore.
Planned infrastructure includes 25 District Logistic Nodes, 5 Regional Logistic Hubs, 5 State Logistic Hubs, 1 National Logistic Hub, and 1 International Logistic Hub. The policy also emphasizes reducing the carbon footprint through green initiatives and the incorporation of advanced technologies like robotics and blockchain
Under this policy, dedicated logistics infrastructure spanning over 10,000 acres will be developed across the State by 2029. With the allocation of substantial funds and the provision of various incentives, the policy aims to transform Vidarbha into a thriving centre for logistics and industrial growth, generating employment opportunities and boosting the State’s economy.
The Nagpur-Wardha National Mega Logistics Hub will be spread across 1,500 acres, and is a key component of this infrastructure. A media statement from the State Government mentioned that Nagpur’s unique geographical location at the heart of the country, coupled with its connection to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, makes it an ideal choice for the development of a logistics hub.
Nagpur boasts of four national expressways and a dedicated freight corridor under development, further solidifying its position as a major freight hub. The Government has allocated Rs 1,500 crore for the development of this hub.
There is also a proposal to establish State Logistics Hubs at five locations, including Amravati-Badnera, each spanning 500 acres with a total allocation of Rs 2,500 crore. Regional Logistics Hubs will be set up on 300 acres each at five locations, including Amravati-Badnera, with a total allocation of Rs 1,500 crore.
The policy’s primary objectives include reducing logistics costs by 4-5 percent from the current 14-15 percent, minimising the time required for logistics, and curbing carbon emissions through the implementation of green initiatives using advanced technologies such as Block Chain, Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Logistics Management System, and the proliferation of eco-friendly logistics parks with sustainable design and modal shift.
The policy also emphasises the creation of District Logistics Nodes, with at least two to three places in each district, connecting major industrial trade and business centres under a hub and spoke model. The policy also introduces the concept of Multi-Purpose Logistics Parks in urban and semi-urban areas, with a minimum built-up area of 20,000 sq ft and a minimum investment of Rs 5 crore. These parks are proposed to maximise space utilisation in metropolitan cities like Nagpur, where open space is limited.
MSMEs in the logistics sector will receive incentives such as stamp duty concession, interest subsidy, power at industrial rates, technology upgradation assistance, and ease of doing business.
Wainganga-Nalganga river inter-linking project also gets nod Another ambitious project of Vidarbha, and approved by the State Cabinet on Wednesday. The project cost is pegged at Rs 86,342.86 crore and when completed it would create irrigation for 3.45 lakh Ha arid region of Western Vidarbha. The idea entails lifting surplus water from Wainganga river in Godavari sub-basin and transferring it to arid regions of Buldhana district.
The project involves lifting the water and pushing it through 426.52 km long canals. The project would benefit 15 tehsils in districts of Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Buldhana. Besides creating irrigation potential, the surplus water would also benefit industries and ensure drinking water supply to some centres. The water would be useful for Rabi season for which 31 storage tanks are proposed. The proposal for river inter-linking was conceived in 2018 and the Central Water Commission had already given its approval. Now post cabinet stamp, the project would be included in the State’s Water Plan.