Nagpur/Mumbai: Around 90 companies have started operations in the MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur) project area, out of the total 120 companies allotted space in the special economic zone, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar informed the state Assembly.

Shelar said the MIHAN project has created significant employment opportunities, with 1,27,225 people already employed through various companies operating in the region. Apart from core industries, several developer, logistics, and support companies are also functioning within the project area.

The minister provided this information while responding to a question raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Krupal Tumane, who sought clarification regarding compensation for farmers affected by the MIHAN project.

360 Project-Affected Farmers Eligible for Developed Plots

Replying to the query, Shelar said that according to a government order issued in April 2025, 360 project-affected farmers who applied under the 12.5% developed land scheme have been declared eligible to receive developed plots.

Under the scheme, these farmers will be allotted land after paying a development premium of ₹50 per square foot.

Decision on Extending Development Fee Deadline Soon

The minister also noted that several project-affected families had demanded a waiver of the development fee. Earlier, the government had set March 31 as the deadline for payment of the development charges.

Shelar added that the state government will soon hold a meeting to consider extending the deadline for paying the development fee for eligible beneficiaries.

The MIHAN project in Nagpur is considered one of India’s major logistics and industrial hubs, aimed at boosting cargo handling, manufacturing, and employment generation in the Vidarbha region.