NAGPUR: On Wednesday, the state cabinet approved the ambitious ₹6,500-crore ‘New Nagpur’ initiative, designed to create a high-tech city and business hub in Hingna taluka. This project aims to position Nagpur alongside India’s leading tech cities, such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru, featuring an International Business and Finance Centre (IBFC) intended to foster a modern ecosystem for industries, startups, and corporate offices.
The Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) is responsible for implementing the project and has engaged NBCC (India) Limited as the project consultant, leveraging their extensive experience in large-scale urban developments. A senior official stated that work will commence once a government resolution (GR), expected to be issued next week, is finalized.
The development will cover 692.06 hectares in Mouza Godhni (Rithi) and Mouza Ladgaon (Rithi) in Hingna taluka. The cabinet has allocated ₹3,000 crore for land acquisition and ₹3,500 crore for Phase I development, totaling ₹6,500 crore. The state has decided to fund the entire amount through a loan from Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (Hudco) with a state guarantee. This project has been designated a flagship initiative, which includes a waiver on stamp duty for related agreements.
Officials highlight that Nagpur, home to over 275 premier institutions like VNIT, IIM, IIIT, AIIMS, NLU, ICAI, GMC, and LIT, has historically struggled to retain its skilled workforce. Graduates often relocate for job opportunities in other states due to limited local options. “The New Nagpur project aims to rectify this issue by providing corporate infrastructure, knowledge-based industries, and a supportive startup ecosystem, potentially generating over 5 lakh jobs,” stated NMRDA. This makes it one of the most employment-focused developments in Maharashtra.
A key feature of the project is a groundbreaking underground utility tunnel system that operates on a plug-and-play model. This system will unify electricity, water, gas, telecommunications, district cooling, and automated waste management within a trenchless network, minimizing disruptions and facilitating future expansions. Furthermore, the city will adopt sustainable urban planning, smart utilities, and a single-window clearance process, establishing itself as an intelligent, inclusive business hub. Officials assert that this strategy will alleviate congestion in existing urban areas, attract global corporations, and foster entrepreneurship throughout the region.
The cabinet’s approval showcases the government’s commitment to enhancing economic growth in Vidarbha. Aligning with Maharashtra’s vision for equitable regional development, New Nagpur is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for progress not only in the city but across central India. With government backing and financial provisions confirmed, Nagpur is poised for a transformative shift from a traditional industrial center to a cutting-edge, high-tech global city.
