Maharashtra’s infrastructure development plan has received a significant boost following the Union Cabinet’s approval for the Dighi Port Industrial Area in Raigad district to be developed as an industrial smart city.  

Located 55 km east of Dighi port, the proposed city will span 6,056 acres and involve an investment of Rs 54.69 billion. The project is expected to attract investments worth Rs 38,000 crore and create approximately 1,09,185 jobs.  

A senior official from the industry department stated, "The inclusion of the Dighi Port Industrial Area as a smart city aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming Rs 760 billion Vadhavan port project in Palghar district. Both developments are anticipated to spur growth across various sectors, contributing significantly to Maharashtra's goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy."  The Dighi Industrial Smart City will focus on key sectors such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, and food and beverages.

The project aims to enhance port-led industrialisation, leveraging the upcoming Dighi port to facilitate growth.  The development is also expected to ease congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area, offering connectivity to both Mumbai and Pune. Additionally, the project will promote eco and heritage tourism in the region.  

The smart city will be well-connected via major routes, including the NH753F Mangaon-Pune, NH66 Mumbai-Goa national highways, and State Highway 97. Railway connectivity will link the area to Kolad, Indapur, and Mangaon, with further access to Mumbai Airport, Pune Airport, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.  Moreover, a Multi-Modal Logistic Park is planned for Dighi, focusing on optimising freight and passenger movement, which is expected to reduce logistic costs from the current 14-16% to about 9%.

(ET)