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Maharashtra Budget Boosts Tourism, Pilgrimage Sites & Infrastructure

The Maharashtra government's budget for 2026-27 outlines a major push for tourism and religious site development, including projects at Jyotirlingas and the Pandharpur Temple. It announces massive infrastructure investments, including expanding the metro network to 1,200 km and advancing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train. The budget also focuses on housing, with plans to redevelop slums and build affordable homes, and aims to boost industry and employment through new hubs. With a total outlay of Rs 7.69 lakh crore, the plan targets accelerating the state's economy towards a one trillion-dollar milestone.

Key Points: Maharashtra Budget: Tourism, Pilgrimage & Infrastructure Focus

  • Ropeway at Vasota Fort
  • 50 tourist spots to get modern facilities
  • 1200 km metro network expansion
  • 18 mega industrial hubs for jobs
  • 10 lakh affordable homes
2 min read

Maharashtra Budget: Focus on pilgrimage sites, tourism boost among key initiatives

Maharashtra's budget targets tourism boost, pilgrimage site development, massive infrastructure projects, and industrial hubs to drive growth.

"accelerate Maharashtra's journey towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy - State Government"

Mumbai, March 6

The Maharashtra government, in the state Budget has made several important announcements aimed at promoting tourism, religious, and cultural development.

The government led by Devendra Fadnavis will launch a ropeway project at Vasota Fort. In addition, the responsibility for the development of the state's five Jyotirlinga pilgrimage sites will be assigned to senior IAS officers.

The first phase of the development plan for Pandharpur Temple has been completed, and the second phase is currently underway.

Furthermore, religious sites associated with the Mahanubhava Panth will also be developed. During the Golden Jubilee year of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, modern facilities will be developed at 50 tourist destinations across the state.

Under cultural initiatives, a Ramkal Path Development Project will be developed in Nashik. Near Nagpur, the state's second Film City will be developed at Ramtek. In addition, Ram Srishti and Kalidas Srishti will be created in Ramtek, and a film based on the life of the great poet Kalidasa will also be produced.

Meanwhile, the budget also placed significant emphasis on infrastructure development. Major metro rail projects in Mumbai and Pune were announced along with plans to expand the state's metro network to 1,200 kilometres.

The government also highlighted the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project and proposed the development of new expressways and transport corridors across the state.

In Mumbai, the government said around 20 lakh slum houses will be redeveloped, and 10 lakh affordable homes will be constructed under various housing initiatives.

To boost industrial growth and employment, the government announced plans to set up 18 mega industrial hubs and establish MSME centres in every district, which it said could generate up to 50 lakh jobs. A major steel hub is proposed in Gadchiroli with significant investment expected in the region.

According to the budget estimates, the total outlay for 2026-27 is pegged at Rs 7.69 lakh crore, with revenue receipts estimated at Rs 6.16 lakh crore and revenue expenditure at Rs 6.56 lakh crore.

The government said the budget aims to accelerate Maharashtra's journey towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy in the coming years.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see focus on tourism and pilgrimage. But I hope the development is sensitive and doesn't turn these sacred places into just commercial hubs. Also, the 20 lakh slum redevelopment promise in Mumbai sounds ambitious. We've heard such numbers before.
A
Arjun K
The industrial hubs and MSME centres in every district are the real game-changers. 50 lakh jobs? If delivered, this can stop the migration from rural areas to Mumbai and Pune. The Gadchiroli steel hub could transform that region.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves exploring Maharashtra, the plan for modern facilities at 50 tourist spots is exciting. The second Film City in Ramtek is also a smart move to decentralize the film industry from Mumbai. Hope the metro expansion happens on time!
V
Vikram M
Budget looks comprehensive on paper. Pilgrimage, tourism, infra, housing, jobs. But the revenue expenditure is higher than receipts. Where is the money coming from? Hope this doesn't mean more debt or taxes on the common man later.
M
Meera T
Very happy to see Mahanubhava Panth sites getting attention alongside major temples. It shows respect for all faiths. The cultural projects in Nashik and Ramtek, like Kalidas Srishti, are important to preserve our heritage for the next generation.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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