Nagpur, June 13, 2026

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has reiterated his commitment to transform Nagpur into a green city through the plantation of 2.5 million trees across the city and district. Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, saplings measuring 2 to 3 metres in height will be provided to schools, universities, voluntary organisations, political parties, and other stakeholders to undertake large-scale plantation and conservation activities, he said.

Shri Gadkari was addressing a press conference in Nagpur to highlight the achievements and developmental initiatives undertaken during the last 12 years of the Central Government. Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Guardian Minister of Nagpur District Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, along with local public representatives, were present on the occasion.

The Union Minister informed that, with the support of the Revenue and Forest Departments and through the Remote Sensing Centre located in Nagpur, mapping of all districts and talukas in Maharashtra will be undertaken. Information regarding districts that have carried out extensive plantation activities will be documented, and such districts will be recognised for their contribution.

Reviewing various welfare initiatives of the Central Government, Shri Gadkari stated that more than 58 crore bank accounts have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana during the last 12 years. Ayushman Bharat has benefited 60 crore citizens, while 11 crore LPG connections have been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. He further noted that 11 crore farmers are receiving annual financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

Highlighting employment generation initiatives, Shri Gadkari said that loans worth approximately ₹35 lakh crore have been disbursed to 57 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, benefiting small entrepreneurs and street vendors. Under the Startup India initiative, 1.6 lakh startups and 118 unicorns have emerged. Additionally, around 5 crore youth have received skill training under the Skill India Mission over the past 12 years.

Speaking about development projects in Nagpur, Shri Gadkari said that modernisation of major city markets is underway, including the Cotton Market Redevelopment Project (Phase I and II), Itwari Market, Dahi Market, Orange Market Development Project, Netaji Market Development Project, Kamal Chowk Commercial Complex, Budhwari Market, Mahal Redevelopment Project, and Sakkardara Budhwari Market Redevelopment Project.

Other important projects being implemented include the Agro Convention Centre at Dabha, Sokta Bhavan Redevelopment Project, Mor Bhavan Redevelopment Project, and Ganeshpeth Bus Stand Redevelopment Project.

He further informed that work on Phase II of the Nagpur Metro is progressing, while the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase III has already been prepared.

The Union Minister also highlighted several key infrastructure and institutional projects in Nagpur, including the Oxygen Park, Bird Park, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institute of Management (IIM), National Law University, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Employees’ State Insurance Hospital at Butibori, Buddhist Circuit Project, Deekshabhoomi Redevelopment Project, Sports Authority of India Centre, and the Mother Dairy Project.

Emphasising employment generation alongside infrastructure development, Shri Gadkari stated that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated the establishment of Driving Training Centres across the country. Under the policy announced in January 2025, a total of 1,600 centres are proposed to be established nationwide. Of these, 24 centres are already operational, while 112 centres are in the pipeline. So far, around 10 lakh people have received training through these facilities. Once all centres become operational, approximately 1.15 crore individuals will receive driving training annually, creating significant employment opportunities.

Referring to upcoming transport infrastructure projects, Shri Gadkari said that the proposed Nagpur–Hyderabad Expressway will reduce travel time between the two cities to nearly three and a half hours. He also informed that the Indora–Dighori flyover project in Nagpur is in its final stage and will be opened to traffic on August 1, 2026.

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Dhananjay Wankhede / Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

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