06 March,2026 05:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pix/X
The Maharashtra government has announced a major push to strengthen the state's digital infrastructure and technological capabilities, including the establishment of a Geo-Technology Application Centre, as part of its vision to build a robust digital ecosystem. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement while presenting the Maharashtra Budget 2026 in the state assembly on Friday.
The proposed centre will support national-level initiatives and help accelerate economic development by leveraging advanced technologies such as geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence and data-driven planning.
According to the chief minister, the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre will play a key role in strengthening the state's ability to plan and implement major projects using geospatial technologies.
Fadnavis said the centre will assist the government in efficiently executing national programmes and improving governance through the use of advanced mapping and data tools. The initiative is expected to enhance planning in sectors such as infrastructure, urban development, agriculture and disaster management.
The government aims to use modern technology to ensure faster decision-making and more accurate implementation of development projects across Maharashtra.
The chief minister also outlined the government's plans to digitise all citizen and business services to improve governance and transparency.
"The state government plans to computerise 100 per cent of land transactions, adopt a fully electronic office system, and move towards paperless government functioning," Fadnavis said during his Budget speech.
These measures are aimed at simplifying administrative processes, reducing paperwork and making public services more accessible to citizens and businesses.
To strengthen policy implementation in the technology sector, the government has announced the creation of an independent Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence.
According to Fadnavis, the new department will focus on developing policies for emerging technologies while ensuring faster decision-making and greater accountability.
The department will be supported by a dedicated commissionerate staffed with specialised technical experts, enabling the state to effectively manage technology-driven initiatives.
As part of efforts to build a strong innovation ecosystem, the Maharashtra government has signed letters of intent with global and national institutions, including OpenAI and Sarvam AI.
These partnerships aim to strengthen the state's capabilities in artificial intelligence and foster collaboration in research and development.
Additionally, the government has signed memoranda of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and BharatGen to promote innovation, research and development in emerging technology sectors.
Fadnavis said the state government is planning to introduce special policies to develop Maharashtra as a global hub for frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, drones, autonomous vehicles and deep technology.
The government will also implement a comprehensive cyber security policy aligned with the vision of âViksit Maharashtra 2047', aimed at creating a secure and resilient digital environment.
To further strengthen digital infrastructure, the state will set up an advanced state data centre in Nagpur to ensure the safety and protection of Maharashtra's sovereign data and digital applications.
The chief minister said these initiatives are part of a broader effort to transform Maharashtra into a future-ready, technology-driven economy while improving governance and public service delivery.
