By Ashutosh Mishra
MUMBAI: Maharashtra is set to deepen its focus on technology-driven governance, artificial intelligence, and startup infrastructure, alongside its ongoing infrastructure push under the new regime. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in an event on Friday said that while major infra projects will continue, the state’s new priority will be strengthening digital systems and emerging as a hub for technology and innovation.
“Apart from infrastructure, our government will focus more on technology in this regime. Artificial intelligence and digital governance will be at the center of our policies,” Fadnavis said while speaking at the Mumbai Tech Week 2025. He highlighted that the Maharashtra government was expanding its cybersecurity framework, developing a dedicated response system for financial crimes, and building a startup-friendly ecosystem in Navi Mumbai.
With financial frauds and cybercrimes increasing, the state government has set up an advanced Cybersecurity Headquarters in Navi Mumbai. The system integrates banks, NBFCs, and social media platforms for real-time fraud tracking. “We are moving towards an era where 70-80% of crimes will be digital. Our cyber response system ensures that financial frauds are tackled within the stipulated time frame,” Fadnavis said. He added that two other states were in discussions to adopt Maharashtra’s model.
To retain and attract technology startups, the state government is creating affordable plug-and-play office spaces in Navi Mumbai, said the Chief Minister. “We lost the IT boom to Bengaluru and Hyderabad because we didn’t act on time before 2015. Now, we are ensuring that Mumbai becomes a leading destination for startups,” Fadnavis said.
Infrastructure again remains a key focus in this term of the Chief Minister, with the Vadhavan Port project expected to transform Mumbai’s position in global trade. The Maharashtra government is betting big on the Vadhavan Port project, which is set to transform the state’s maritime infrastructure and boost India’s global trade positioning. The port, which will be three times the size of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), is being designed with a deep draft of 20 meters, allowing it to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.
Given JNPT’s role in handling around 65% of India’s container traffic, the expansion at Vadhavan is expected to significantly enhance the country’s logistical efficiency, reduce congestion, and lower trade costs.
Highlighting its strategic importance, Fadnavis emphasized that nations with robust port infrastructure and low congestion tend to dominate global supply chains. With the Vadhavan Port, Maharashtra aims to establish itself as a key maritime hub, driving economic growth and strengthening its role in global trade. The project aligns with the state’s broader infrastructure push, which includes airport expansions, new business districts, and enhanced connectivity to Mumbai’s key economic zones. “Mumbai became a financial hub because of JNPT for the last 40 years. Now, Vadhavan Port will take it to the next level,” Fadnavis said.
In addition to infra and startups, the state is also prioritizing ground level issues like water security. The government has undertaken a large-scale river-linking project to transfer surplus water from rain-fed basins to drought-prone regions, according to Fadnavis. The initiative aims to divert large quantities of water, ensuring year-round availability for agriculture and drinking purposes. “Making Maharashtra drought-free is a key goal for us,” said the CM.
