Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7,600 crore on Wednesday. The projects span multiple sectors, including aviation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, aiming to boost the state’s growth and improve public services.
Among the key initiatives, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, a project estimated to cost Rs 7,000 crore. Officials noted that this development will significantly enhance the city’s connectivity, supporting growth in manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and healthcare across the Vidarbha region. The airport’s expansion is expected to be a catalyst for job creation and economic development in Nagpur and its surroundings.
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport, a key destination for religious tourism. The terminal will be constructed at Rs 645 crore, providing world-class amenities for pilgrims visiting Shirdi. The design of the terminal is inspired by the spiritual Neem tree associated with Saibaba, reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance of the area.
In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister launched 10 new government medical colleges across Maharashtra. These institutions, located in cities like Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, and Gadchiroli, aim to boost medical education and healthcare services in the state. The new colleges will increase undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats while offering specialised tertiary healthcare to the population, as per officials.
Another major initiative unveiled by the Prime Minister was the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai. Established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with the Tata Education and Development Trust, the IIS aims to provide cutting-edge vocational training in areas like mechatronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and industrial automation. This initiative is expected to create an industry-ready workforce equipped with the skills required for modern technology-driven sectors.
Additionally, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Maharashtra, a data-driven educational initiative designed to provide academic and administrative insights. VSK will use tools like live chatbots, such as “Smart Upasthiti” and “Swadhyay,” to assist teachers, students, and administrators. It aims to optimize resource management in schools, enhance parental involvement, and offer curated teaching materials to improve student learning outcomes.
These development projects highlight the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, education, and skill development across Maharashtra, aiming to strengthen the state’s economy and provide quality public services to its citizens.