PART ONE

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

"Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is poised for transformative growth" Renewable Energy Minister Atul Save's words set the tone as industrialists, policymakers and entrepreneurs converged at Lokmat Bhavan on Saturday for a high-powered panel discussion on the city's industrial future, coinciding with the 39th anniversary celebrations of Lokmat Times.

City is emerging as a major industrial hub, attracting over Rs 1 lakh crore in proposed investments and witnessing rapid urban expansion. The city’s growth story was discussed in a high-profile panel at Lokmat Bhavan, coinciding with the 39th anniversary of Lokmat Times. The panel examined the city’s industrial potential, infrastructure needs, skill development, and emerging opportunities. Key leaders and industry experts participated, including minister of OBC welfare Atul Save, former industrial minister editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group Rajendra Darda, president Mohini Kelkar of IMTMA, founder and managing director Kunal Sikchi of Matrix Life Sciences, president Utsav Machhar of Chamber of Marathwada Industries & Agriculture (CMIA), president Arjun Gaikwad of Marathwada Association of Small-Scale Industries and Agriculture (Massia), and moderator Harshwardhan Jajoo, Director of NSBT. Highlighting the city’s historic strength in local talent and strategic planning, panelists emphasized that sustainable growth depends on balancing industrial expansion with employability, urban infrastructure, and quality of life.

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Minister Atul Save summed up the panel discussion and addressed the queries.

CSN poised for transformative Growth

I congratulate Lokmat Times on completing 39 years, and Rajendra Darda Ji and all panelists. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is a historical city, and I have always been passionate about its growth. During Rajendra Darda Ji’s tenure as Industries Minister, DMIC land was planned and nearly 10,000 acres acquired, though market acquisition faced delays. As an industrialist, I am proud of the investments we have secured. Toyota’s entry came after persistent follow-up with the CM, and JSW and Ather are also establishing operations. Associations like CMIA and MASSIA have done excellent promotion, ensuring industries feel welcomed. Local industrialists such as Bagla, Bandwe, and Rucha actively support this growth. Infrastructure projects are progressing rapidly. Roads connecting Bidkin-Shendra-Samruddhi Mahamarg, Shendra-Waluj-ring road, and CSN-Pune will reduce travel times to 3–4 hours within a few years. Airport access from Waluj is planned in two phases, with flyovers and parking solutions addressing congestion. Solid waste management is being launched, and negotiations with hotels like Novotel and JW Marriott are underway. Skill development is a priority. A 50-acre Toyota Skill Development Centre will train over 10,000 people per year without bonding. MoUs with ITIs have already begun training 500 candidates in the city. Water supply pipelines are being expanded, and encroachments will be cleared by 2047. As Renewable Energy Minister, I am pushing solar adoption by 2030 to reduce power costs. CSN is poised for transformative growth, and all suggestions from stakeholders will be considered seriously.

- Atul Save

Minister of Renewable Energy

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Chh. Sambhajinagar: Key industrial & urban updates

• Land: 8,000 acres to be acquired for next-phase development.

• Roads & connectivity: Major projects include Bidkin-Shendra-Samruddhi Expressway, Bidkin-Pune, CSN-Shivur, Waluj-Bidkin-Pune, Shendra-Waluj-Ring Road; Pune travel time to reduce to 3-4 hours. CSN-Paithan road aligned with new water pipeline.

• Hospitality: Negotiations with six hotels, including Novotel and JW Marriott.

• Skill development: 50-acre Toyota Skill Centre to train 10,000 annually.

• Water supply: New scheme reaching city in 20 days.

• Urban management: Encroachments along key corridors to be cleared.

• Power & industry: Industrial tariff issues under court review; revocation expected.