Maharashtra Expands Growth Vision Beyond Mumbai

State Focuses on Infrastructure, Industry and Sustainable Development Across All Regions

Maharashtra is working to become a major economic growth engine for India by expanding development beyond Mumbai and creating new opportunities across the state, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Economic Times Business Conclave and Awards 2026, Shinde said the government is building a modern, sustainable and globally competitive Maharashtra where the benefits of progress reach every citizen. He called upon entrepreneurs, investors and citizens to become active partners in shaping the state's future.

Sustainable Growth Remains a Priority

Shinde emphasized that economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental protection, especially as climate change presents new challenges.

The state government is focusing on flood management, coastal protection, increasing green cover, rainwater conservation, sustainable transportation and technology-driven urban planning. According to Shinde, these measures will help create cities that are both economically strong and environmentally responsible.

Mega Infrastructure Projects Driving Development

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted Maharashtra’s large-scale infrastructure projects, saying they are designed not only to improve connectivity but also to generate jobs, attract investments and support industrial growth.

Key projects include the Mumbai Metro network, Coastal Road, Samruddhi Expressway, airports, ports and logistics hubs. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), major developments such as the Atal Setu, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Bullet Train, Metro-3 and Vadhavan Port are progressing rapidly.

Shinde noted that the MMR is developing a 337-kilometer Metro network while integrating roads, railways, Metro systems and waterways to create a seamless multimodal transport system.

Development Model Moves Beyond Mumbai

Shinde said Maharashtra is shifting from a Mumbai-centric growth model by strengthening cities such as Nagpur, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Thane and Navi Mumbai.

The government is also focusing on the development of regions including Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan and western Maharashtra. Industrial parks, IT hubs, logistics centers, Metro projects and employment clusters are being planned in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to create new investment opportunities and generate jobs closer to home.

Mumbai and MMR Target Global Economic Leadership

The government has prepared a roadmap to transform Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global economic powerhouse. Shinde said efforts are underway to double Mumbai’s GDP, while investment proposals worth nearly ₹4 lakh crore have already been secured in the MMR.

He added that the region has the potential to emerge as a $1.5 trillion economy in the coming years.

Affordable Housing and Slum Redevelopment in Focus

Affordable housing remains a key priority for the state government. Under Maharashtra’s new housing policy, a target has been set to build 35 lakh homes for economically weaker sections and low-income families by 2030.

The government is also working to make Mumbai slum-free through redevelopment initiatives and technology-based monitoring systems to prevent the creation of new slums.

Maharashtra Moves Towards a $1 Trillion Economy

Inviting domestic and global investors to Maharashtra, Shinde said the state economy is moving steadily toward the $1 trillion milestone. He said the government is creating an investor-friendly environment and aims to generate enough industries and employment opportunities so that young people can build successful careers within the state.

"Developed Maharashtra is essential for a developed India," Shinde said, adding that the government’s vision is to create a future-ready state that improves quality of life and offers opportunities for generations to come.