23 April,2026 06:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Maharashtra CMO
Maharashtra is strengthening its position as a preferred destination for global investors, supported by policy measures aimed at improving ease of doing business and industrial growth, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday.
Speaking during a meeting with Denmark's Ambassador to India, Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, the chief minister said the state's industrial ecosystem and infrastructure pipeline are attracting sustained foreign interest. The envoy paid a courtesy visit to the chief minister at his official residence in Mumbai, where senior officials were also present.
According to officials, the discussions centred on expanding cooperation in sectors such as port development, shipping, renewable energy and water management. Maharashtra, one of India's most industrialised states, has been focusing on infrastructure-led growth to attract long-term investments.
Fadnavis highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects that aim to strengthen the state's logistics and maritime capabilities. Among them is the proposed Vadhavan Port, which is expected to play a significant role in enhancing cargo capacity and boosting exports. The project is being positioned as a key element in India's broader ambitions to expand its maritime footprint.
The chief minister also outlined plans to develop a modern water transport system along the state's coastline. This includes proposals for water taxi services and an integrated regulatory framework to support urban and coastal mobility.
He indicated that the state government is exploring partnerships with international firms, particularly from Denmark, for adopting electric ferry and water taxi technologies. Such collaborations are expected to align with broader sustainability goals while addressing urban transport challenges in coastal regions.
Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen pointed to Denmark's experience in deploying electric ferry systems and coastal transport solutions, noting their potential relevance for Maharashtra's coastal belt, including the Mumbai-Konkan region.
He added that Danish companies have already established a presence in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai and Pune, across sectors such as manufacturing, services, retail and shipping. The envoy indicated that there is scope to deepen this engagement, especially under the framework of the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, which focuses on sustainable development and green technologies.
Officials present at the meeting included senior representatives from the Danish mission and the Maharashtra government. The interaction reflects ongoing efforts by the state to engage with international partners and attract sector-specific investments.
With infrastructure expansion, policy incentives and a focus on sustainability, Maharashtra is seeking to position itself as a competitive destination for global capital, particularly in emerging sectors such as green mobility and maritime development.
