17 June,2026 05:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis said the idea had been discussed with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who attended the event. File Pic
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has proposed the creation of a dedicated rail freight corridor linking major ports with the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, a move aimed at significantly reducing logistics costs and strengthening the state's role in global supply chains, reported the PTI.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new manufacturing facility by Jabil in Maharashtra's Pune, CM Fadnavis said the project would improve freight movement between ports, dry ports and industrial centres across Maharashtra.
The proposed corridor would connect the Jawaharlal Nehru Port and the upcoming Vadhvan Port with inland logistics hubs.
CM Fadnavis noted that JNPT currently handles around 60 per cent of India's container traffic, while Vadhvan Port is expected to become one of the world's largest ports once completed.
He said the idea had been discussed with Ashwini Vaishnaw, who attended the event.
According to the Chief Minister, the proposed freight corridor would run alongside the Samruddhi Expressway, where land has already been reserved for a railway line along much of its 701-kilometre route, as per the PTI.
The network is expected to connect the dry ports at Jalna and Wardha before extending to Gadchiroli, which Fadnavis described as India's emerging steel manufacturing hub.
The Chief Minister said the freight corridor could help lower logistics costs to between seven and eight per cent, improving the competitiveness of industries operating in Maharashtra.
He added that enhanced connectivity would allow industries located across the state to access dedicated port infrastructure, helping integrate a larger share of Maharashtra into international supply chains.
"Put industry anywhere and have dedicated port connectivity - that is our dream," he said, the news agency reported.
CM Fadnavis noted that port-led economic growth has so far benefited only around 15 per cent of Maharashtra. The proposed rail connectivity, he said, could extend those advantages to nearly 75 per cent of the state.
Highlighting the state's economic contribution, Fadnavis said Maharashtra accounts for about 14 per cent of India's GDP and nearly 20 per cent of the country's exports.
He also pointed to Maharashtra's growing role in electronics manufacturing and data centres, stating that nearly 60 per cent of India's data centre capacity is being developed in the state, the PTI reported.
CM Fadnavis described Mumbai and Pune as India's emerging "Quantum Valley", saying improved transport links, including a proposed high-speed rail connection, would help create one of the country's largest technology and innovation corridors.
He assured investors and industries of continued government support, emphasising Maharashtra's commitment to ease of doing business and industrial growth.
