Silicon City Nagpur? CM Devendra Fadnavis nod to hi-tech hub in NMRDA area

NAGPUR: In a move that will catapult Nagpur into the league of major technology and innovation hubs like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday gave an in-principle approval to ambitious ‘New Nagpur' project — a state-of-the-art hi-tech city proposed to be developed in Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) region. Fadnavis took the decision at a high-level meeting held in Mumbai, which was attended by senior administrative officials and department heads.Conceptualised as a plug-and-play metropolis by NMRDA, under commissioner Sanjay Meena, this futuristic city promises to place Nagpur on the map of India's top digital economies. The proposed city is envisioned to become a major hub for startups, MSMEs, technology firms, and international service providers.Confirming the development, a senior NMRDA official said, "We proposed the project to the CM, who gave an in-principle approval."A key highlight of the ‘New Nagpur' project will be its first-of-its-kind advanced underground utility tunnel system. The system is designed to integrate all essential civic amenities such as district cooling, automated waste management, electricity, water, gas, and telecom — delivered through a single, trenchless infrastructure. The futuristic city will be built to meet long-term needs without repeated digging and disruptions.NMRDA commissioner Meena said during the meeting that the project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities in IT, finance, and services sectors. "With its integrated infrastructure, ease of doing business, and robust administrative model, ‘New Nagpur' will redefine the city's economic significance," he added.The NMRDA is currently implementing a multi-crore project in Nagpur district outside the city limits. The development of a new hi-tech city in Nagpur district is likely to be the biggest project under the development authority.