Nagpur, January 26: Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday said that comprehensive and balanced development of both urban and rural areas of Nagpur district remains the government’s top priority, with a long-term integrated development roadmap set for completion by 2028.
He was speaking at the main government Republic Day ceremony held at Kasturchand Park Ground in Nagpur. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including MP Shyamkumar Barve, Principal Secretary Vinita Ved Singhal, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singhal, Special Inspector General of Police (Nagpur Range) Sandeep Patil, Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, Nagpur Improvement Trust Chairman Sanjay Meena, District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, and Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar, among others.
Focus on Law and Order, Road Safety
Highlighting development and safety initiatives, Bawankule said Saoner village in the district has emerged as a “secure village” with the help of extensive CCTV surveillance, which has helped curb criminal activities. He added that road safety measures implemented by Nagpur Rural Police in collaboration with Save Life India have led to a decline in road accidents and fatalities in rural areas during 2025.
Nagpur City Police, he said, are using modern technology and strict legal action to ensure urban safety. Special drives such as ‘Operation Thunder’ to control narcotics and ‘Garud Drishti’ to identify objectionable content on social media are being implemented.
Maharashtra Growth Push, Global Investments
Referring to the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Bawankule said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has attracted global investments aimed at boosting opportunities for farmers, women, youth, and industries in Maharashtra. He reiterated the state government’s goal of transforming Maharashtra into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030, adding that the foundation for this vision is already being laid.
He also credited Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for focusing on metro expansion and transport infrastructure in Nagpur, helping the city evolve into an international-standard urban center.
India’s First Fully Digital Census from April 2026
Bawankule announced that the first phase of India’s Census will begin on April 1, 2026, and will be the country’s first fully digital census. Data collection will be conducted through a mobile application and a central digital portal. He said the nation is not only celebrating Republic Day but also witnessing a significant phase of development.
Rural Roads, Land Rights and Slum Rehabilitation
Under the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Farm Access Road Scheme, long-pending issues of farm access roads are being resolved. Around 1,250 km of roads have been approved in the district through District Planning Committee funds and mining-related allocations. A pilot project using processed fly ash from thermal power plants in Nagpur district is being implemented to strengthen these roads.
In Nagpur city, 2,205 slum dwellers from 15 slum clusters have recently been granted land ownership rights. In rural and tehsil areas, more than 30,000 land ownership pattas have been distributed so far, while around 6,000 pattas have been granted under the municipal corporation and private land categories.
Bawankule further said that keeping future expansion in mind, an outer ring road of approximately 148 km has been developed to ease traffic and support urban growth.
Public Transport, Industrial Logistics Boost
Speaking about Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s development works, he said the city now has a stronger public transport network with the addition of electric buses and metro connectivity. The upcoming PM e-Bus service is expected to further streamline urban transportation.
Planned Transport Plazas at Turagondi (Amravati Road), Shirur near Butibori, Palsad on Bhandara Road, and Itgaon near Parseoni are expected to significantly improve logistics and industrial transport in the region.
‘New Nagpur’ and Women Entrepreneurship
Under the ‘New Nagpur’ initiative, an International Trade Centre and an International Business and Finance Centre are proposed in Hingna taluka, aimed at developing Nagpur as a major commercial hub.
To promote women’s self-employment, the Navsakhi Udyogini Scheme has been introduced through the Zilla Parishad for needy women across the district.
Reiterating the broader vision, Bawankule said the administration is working with a clear focus on the district’s holistic development plan up to 2028, and praised district officials for effectively implementing various government schemes and initiatives.
