Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 8: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis made a strong pitch to UK investors on Wednesday, urging them to consider Maharashtra as a high-return destination for business, backed by investor-friendly policies, rapid infrastructure development, and a growing skilled workforce.

Speaking at a high-level meeting with British CEOs accompanying UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Fadnavis described Maharashtra as India’s most business-conducive state. “Like London is to the UK, Mumbai is to India — a symbol of economic strength and global connectivity,” he remarked.

Fadnavis highlighted that the state's 'Ease of Doing Business' initiatives have significantly streamlined industrial licensing and investment processes.

A dedicated ‘War Room’ has been established to fast-track resolutions to investor issues, with monthly reviews ensuring accountability and momentum.

“Maharashtra offers diverse investment opportunities — from industrial and financial services to urban development, education, and advanced technology,” he told the UK delegation, assuring them of a stable and supportive policy environment.

The Chief Minister also outlined how Maharashtra is integrating international education into its growth model. A flagship ‘Edu City’ project in Navi Mumbai is set to host a University of London campus, offering world-class education to over 2,000 students. “Our new education policy has opened the doors for foreign universities, creating an ecosystem for global academic collaboration,” he said.

On infrastructure, Fadnavis presented a roadmap of transformative urban projects including the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and the Vadhavan Port — part of a broader vision to develop ‘Third Mumbai’ and ‘Fourth Mumbai’ as modern urban zones with high-speed rail, green industrial corridors, and smart cities.

He also touched on Maharashtra’s emerging industrial hubs: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar evolving into an electric vehicle manufacturing centre, Nagpur growing as a solar module production hub, and Pune continuing its dominance in the industrial and technology sectors.

Fadnavis emphasized Maharashtra’s leadership in startups and digital innovation, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reforms for India's rise as a global digital powerhouse. “From infrastructure transparency to digital adoption — even among street vendors — India today is the top country for digital transactions,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined an ambitious goal for the state: achieving 50% energy from recycled sources by 2030. He noted large-scale investments in solar power and the establishment of cutting-edge data centre infrastructure in Pune, with a focus on AI and quantum technology.

He concluded by expressing a strong desire to deepen India–UK collaboration. “Maharashtra is ready to welcome UK businesses. Through joint ventures in education, technology, clean energy, and finance, we can build a future that benefits both nations,” he said.