Nagpur: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday highlighted the massive development works undertaken in Nagpur over the last 12 years and announced plans to transform the city into a green hub through the plantation of 25 lakh trees.
Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Gadkari said saplings measuring 2-3 metres in height will be provided to schools, universities, social organisations and other groups under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign to encourage large-scale plantation and conservation.
He said the government aims to create a greener Nagpur by involving citizens and institutions in environmental protection initiatives. Mapping of plantation activities across Maharashtra districts and taluks will also be carried out with the help of the Revenue and Forest Departments and the Remote Sensing Centre.
Highlighting the achievements of the Central Government over the past 12 years, Gadkari said more than 58 crore bank accounts have been opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, while Ayushman Bharat has benefited around 60 crore citizens.
He also mentioned that 11 crore LPG connections have been provided under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and 11 crore farmers receive financial assistance under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
On employment initiatives, Gadkari said loans worth nearly ₹35 lakh crore have been distributed to 57 crore beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. He added that 1.6 lakh start-ups and 118 unicorns have emerged under the start-up ecosystem, while around five crore youth have received skill training.
Speaking about Nagpur’s infrastructure growth, Gadkari listed several redevelopment projects, including major markets, commercial complexes, the Nagpur Metro expansion, AIIMS, IIM, National Law University, IIIT, sports facilities and other major institutions.
He also announced that the Nagpur-Hyderabad Expressway project will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, while the Indora-Dighori flyover is expected to open for traffic on August 1, 2026.
Gadkari said the focus remains on building modern infrastructure, creating employment opportunities and developing Nagpur as a sustainable and future-ready city.
