ENA State 2025-06-26 16:13:46 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jun 26 (KNN)</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The state government is developing a comprehensive defence corridor spanning Nashik and the area between Ahilyanagar and Pune.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This connectivity enhancement is designed to support the increased industrial activity anticipated from the defence manufacturing initiative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42587 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/nashik-to-be-developed-as-maharashtras-defence-and-aerospace-hub-cm-fadnavis 2025-06-26 16:13:46 knnindia.co.in