The Maharashtra government on Friday announced a series of rural development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and technology access across villages, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiling pilot projects that will use artificial intelligence to upgrade rural life.
Presenting the Maharashtra Budget 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis said that the state will launch AI-driven pilot programmes in 75 villages to enhance governance, agriculture, and public services through technology-led solutions.
The initiative is expected to introduce data-driven planning, digital public services, and smart agricultural tools in rural areas, helping farmers and local administrations make more efficient decisions.
The Chief Minister also announced a major push for rural infrastructure through improved road connectivity. In his Budget speech, Mr. Fadnavis said “All villages with 1000+ population will be connected by concrete road.”
The government said the move aims to improve transport access, boost rural commerce, and strengthen connectivity between villages and nearby towns.
As part of the broader infrastructure push, the state will also build the Nagpur-Gondia-Bhandara-Gadchiroli Expressway, which is expected to improve connectivity across eastern Maharashtra and support economic development in the region.
The Budget also outlined a larger vision for the state’s economic trajectory, with the government reiterating Maharashtra’s role in India’s growth story.
“The 5 trillion dollar economy is about to go,” Fadnavis said, adding that Maharashtra, as the country’s economic engine, will play a major role in achieving that milestone.
He said the government has prepared a long-term vision document for a “Developed Maharashtra,” identifying four major pillars—progressive growth, inclusive development, strong governance, and balanced regional progress.
According to the Chief Minister, these pillars will guide future policies, with 16 key sub-sectors identified to drive development across different regions of the state.
Source: The Indian Express
