Maharashtra Sets Up Panel for MMR Growth Hub

07 Feb 2025 CW Team

According to a government resolution, Maharashtra has formed a nine-member Project Management Unit (PMU) to implement NITI Aayog’s recommendations for transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a $300 billion economy by 2030 from its current $140 billion.

The PMU, led by the additional chief secretary of the housing department, includes officials from transport, planning, urban development, Slum Rehabilitation Authority, Mumbai Port Trust, Konkan division, and a representative from the Institute for Sustainability, Employment and Growth. Its role includes executing NITI Aayog’s proposals, supporting the Growth Hub Regulatory Board and Coordination Committee, and advising the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority on key challenges.

The decision aligns with a recent meeting between NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A high-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, is already overseeing the report’s execution.

NITI Aayog’s recommendations include promoting MMR as a global services hub, enhancing affordable housing, slum rehabilitation, tourism, logistics, urban planning, and sustainability initiatives. It has proposed tourism hubs in Gorai, Madh, and Alibag, a 300 km coastline master plan, and integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters in Kharbav and Panvel.

With the Rs 760 billion Vadhavan port project, NITI Aayog suggests leveraging it for green hydrogen, steel, chemicals, textiles, and apparel industries.

Infrastructure Transport

13 Oct 2025

Tata, Airbus to Build India’s First Private Helicopter Line

In a landmark development for India’s aerospace sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus will establish the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will manufacture the Airbus H125 and H125M, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation and defence manufacturing. The new Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce the H125, the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, known for its versatility and performance in extreme environments. The first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected to ro..

NeGD to Support Bharat Taxi in Building Cooperative Ride Platform

In a significant move for India’s digital and mobility transformation, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of the Digital India Corporation, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has entered into an advisory partnership with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the company behind Bharat Taxi — a first-of-its-kind, cooperative-led national ride-hailing platform. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NeGD and Sahakar Taxi to provide strategic advisory and technical support covering key areas such as platform integration, cybersecurity..

MeitY Hosts Pre-Summit for India–AI Impact Summit 2026

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted a series of Pre-Summit events for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026 at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi. These sessions mark a key milestone ahead of the main summit, scheduled for 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Delivering the inaugural address, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted India’s innovative and frugal approach to AI development. “We have adopted innovative means by learning from others’ experiences to build projects and products that..