Nagpur’s strategic central location, long acknowledged as an asset in the logistics industry, is now a focal point for Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as he envisions transforming the district into the preferred destination for the warehousing sector. During a recent media interaction at his official residence, Fadnavis expressed his commitment to establishing Nagpur as the ultimate “logistics hub.”
This vision aligns with the on-ground implementation of various projects aimed at enhancing Nagpur’s natural central geographical position. Fadnavis’s flagship initiative, the Samruddhi Expressway, has already facilitated rapid road connectivity to Mumbai. Emphasizing his commitment to seamless transportation, he revealed plans for a high-speed rail network parallel to the expressway, facilitating swift movement of both cargo and passenger traffic. Together, these initiatives aim to provide an unparalleled level of smooth travel from Nagpur to the west coast.
Another major project under Fadnavis’s leadership is the greenfield Nagpur-Goa expressway, connecting Orange City to the southwestern coast. Fadnavis highlighted that less-developed districts like Washim and Buldhana would benefit from the Samruddhi Expressway, as reduced travel times and ongoing land development projects create opportunities for future endeavors.
Looking towards southern India, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s proposed Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bengaluru expressway is set to boost connectivity with the promise of cutting travel times in half. While there are no expressway plans for eastern and northern India, the existing highway network is expanding to expedite travel, exemplified by the elevated Nagpur-Jabalpur road through the wildlife corridor.
Nagpur’s robust rail connectivity has historically facilitated cargo movement in all directions. The Sindhi dry port is a game changer, enabling the direct rail transport of goods to the shipping port in Navi Mumbai.
Despite ongoing challenges, Fadnavis is optimistic about addressing issues on the Samruddhi Expressway, attributing most accidents to driver errors. He reassured that measures are in place to enhance safety, and wayside amenities along the expressway will increase, providing recreational spaces for the public. While the airport redevelopment plan in Nagpur is currently in legal limbo, Fadnavis remains hopeful that progress will resume in the coming months, further enhancing air connectivity for both passengers and cargo.
