Maharashtra CM urges MAHAPREIT to fast track key infrastructure and renewable energy projects
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed MAHAPREIT, a subsidiary under the Social Justice Department, to focus on long-term, high-impact projects and accelerate their completion. Chairing a review meeting, he emphasized developing expertise in select sectors instead of spreading across multiple domains. The meeting covered progress on major infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives including solar projects, slum rehabilitation, cluster developments, and data centers. The state aims to boost sustainable growth by strengthening delivery and improving sectoral focus through strategic prioritization and inter-departmental coordination.
Maharashtra has sharpened its focus on infrastructure and renewable energy delivery by calling for strategic prioritization in project execution under MAHAPREIT (Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited). At a high-level review chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday in Mumbai, the state government assessed the status of numerous development initiatives and pushed for fast-tracking of delayed or long-gestation projects.
MAHAPREIT, which operates under the Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation of the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, has been tasked with overseeing and implementing various solar energy and infrastructure projects across Maharashtra. The Chief Minister underscored the need for focused execution by identifying core sectors where the agency can develop domain expertise and scale outcomes efficiently.
“The aim is not to scatter efforts across all areas but to master specific sectors and deliver results with speed and sustainability,” said Chief Minister Fadnavis. He added that the agency must recognize future challenges and prioritize projects that will have a long-lasting impact on Maharashtra’s development landscape. The meeting included Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, and several principal secretaries and senior bureaucrats.
Among the projects reviewed were the Thane Cluster Development Project, the Software Technology and Data Centre initiative, and the PM Awas Yojana projects under Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation. These initiatives aim to address urbanization challenges through housing, digital infrastructure, and integrated planning. Particular attention was given to the slum rehabilitation schemes, which the Chief Minister identified as high-priority. Fadnavis directed that these projects must be accelerated, noting that improving living conditions in urban informal settlements is essential to Maharashtra’s inclusive growth agenda.
Progress on renewable energy initiatives was also reviewed. MAHAPREIT is engaged in implementing Rooftop Solar Projects for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), along with large-scale Solar and Hybrid Energy Projects in partnership with NTPC Green, NIRL, and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). These collaborations are expected to expand Maharashtra’s clean energy capacity while reducing its carbon footprint. An ambitious solar energy project at the National Cancer Institute in Nagpur was also discussed. This project aims to not only reduce the institute’s energy dependency but also serve as a model for integrating renewable energy in public healthcare infrastructure.
Other key initiatives on the agenda included the District Cooling System Project, which is being planned as a sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning systems in urban areas. The Chief Minister urged rapid execution of pilot projects to assess commercial viability and scalability. The establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for the Pune Municipal Corporation was also reviewed. This project, aimed at enhancing urban governance through technology, will centralize surveillance, emergency response, and public service delivery under one platform.
Also discussed was the redevelopment of the Mahalaxmi Temple and its surrounding precinct. The project aims to improve pilgrimage and tourist infrastructure while preserving heritage elements. Fadnavis emphasized that such projects must be implemented with a balance of functionality, aesthetics, and historical sensitivity. Senior officials present included Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department Asimkumar Gupta, Principal Secretary K.H. Govindrajan, Finance Department Principal Secretary Saurabh Vijay, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department Atul Patne, and Principal Secretary of the Social Justice Department Dr. Harshdeep Kamble. MAHAPREIT Managing Director Bipin Shrimali, Director Vijay Kalam Patil, and Managing Director of the Mahatma Phule Corporation Babasaheb Beldar also contributed inputs.
The Chief Minister concluded the meeting by reiterating that successful delivery of projects depends on realistic timelines, inter-agency collaboration, and expert project management. He instructed that a quarterly performance audit mechanism be implemented for all high-investment and high-impact projects under MAHAPREIT. This strategic pivot reflects the Maharashtra government’s increasing focus on execution excellence, data-driven reviews, and outcome-based planning in state-led development. With clear directives now in place, MAHAPREIT is expected to realign its operational roadmap to meet the revised expectations.
