Nashik To Be Developed As Maharashtra’s Defence And Aerospace Hub: CM Fadnavis

New Delhi, Jun 26 (KNN) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans to establish Nashik as a major centre for defence and aerospace manufacturing during an industrial conclave organised by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister stated that Nashik would serve as the primary destination for defence and aerospace sector investments, with significant capital expected to flow into the region.

Despite existing defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Fadnavis emphasised that Maharashtra continues to attract the highest levels of investment in defence manufacturing and technology sectors.

The state government is developing a comprehensive defence corridor spanning Nashik and the area between Ahilyanagar and Pune.

This strategic initiative aims to position Nashik as a specialised hub for defence and aerospace industries, leveraging the region's existing industrial infrastructure and geographical advantages.

Fadnavis highlighted the transformative potential of the proposed Vadhavan port project, describing it as a key factor that would maintain Maharashtra's competitive edge for the next two decades.

The Chief Minister noted that while the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) currently handles 60 percent of India's port traffic, the new Vadhavan facility would be three times larger and rank among the world's top ten major ports.

Infrastructure development plans include an access-controlled road connecting to the Samruddhi Highway through Nashik, which officials expect will provide additional economic benefits to the region.

This connectivity enhancement is designed to support the increased industrial activity anticipated from the defence manufacturing initiative.

Manish Rawal, Vice-President, Nashik Industries and Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), welcomed the government's decision, noting that local industry groups have advocated for such development for several years.

Rawal pointed to Nashik's existing defence infrastructure, including the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facility and various defence component manufacturers, as evidence of the region's readiness to become a major defence and aerospace hub.

The initiative represents a significant expansion of Maharashtra's defence manufacturing capabilities and reflects the state government's broader strategy to diversify its industrial base while capitalising on national defence modernisation programs.

(KNN Bureau)