Nagpur-Vijayawada eway to make Vidarbha logistics hub: Gadkari

By Admin

05 Aug, 2025

Long considered a landlocked and underdeveloped region, Vidarbha is now poised to emerge as a central player in India’s logistics and infrastructure landscape. This transformation is being driven by a series of ambitious infrastructure projects announced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during the inauguration of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) new regional office in Nagpur.

A Strategic Link: Nagpur to Vijayawada Expressway

The highlight of Gadkari’s address was the announcement of a game-changing expressway between Nagpur and Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. This corridor will not only enhance direct connectivity with the eastern coast but will also significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and logistics costs.

“Vidarbha’s location is strategically advantageous,” Gadkari said. “Eastern ports in Andhra Pradesh like Vizag and Kakinada are closer and less congested than Mumbai. A direct link means faster exports and better economic viability.”

Third Major Corridor from Nagpur

The Nagpur-Vijayawada Expressway will be the third major corridor originating from Nagpur, after the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg and the upcoming Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. Notably, land measurement for the latter has already commenced. The Samruddhi Mahamarg is also expected to eventually connect to Vizag via Gondia, bringing backward districts like Chandrapur and Gadchiroli onto India’s logistics map.

Raipur-Vizag and Raipur-Hyderabad Corridors

Adding to this momentum is the ₹37,000 crore Raipur-Vizag Expressway, with 88% of the work already completed. This project skirts Vidarbha’s eastern border and offers a strategic export route for industries in Gadchiroli, particularly steel producers.

Another important artery is the Raipur-Hyderabad Expressway, which will further boost multi-directional connectivity for Vidarbha with South and East India, positioning it as a critical logistics junction.

Andhra Pradesh Ports: The Gateway to Global Trade

In a recent meeting with AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Gadkari noted that Andhra Pradesh now houses 12 operational ports, many of which were developed under his tenure as Shipping Minister. He emphasized that handling costs in Maharashtra are higher and that AP’s ports are less congested, making them ideal for export-based logistics planning.

Cutting Logistics Costs Below Global Standards

Citing a joint study by IIM Bangalore and IITs Kanpur & Chennai, Gadkari revealed that India has reduced logistics costs from 16% to 10% due to improved road infrastructure. His goal is to bring this down to 9% by December 2025, beating countries like the US and Europe (12%) and aligning closely with China (8%).

Beyond Roads: Defence, Aviation & Tourism

Gadkari also announced plans for a defence manufacturing cluster in Nagpur and a new airstrip at Ambhora, located 70km away at the confluence of five rivers in Kuhi tehsil. This location is also being developed as a tourism hotspot to attract regional and national visitors.

Pioneering Green Mobility: Hydrogen Vehicles

In a major green initiative, Rs 600 crore pilot projects have been launched in collaboration with leading firms like Tata, Ashok Leyland, Volvo, IOCL, and HPCL. The aim is to build 10 dedicated corridors for hydrogen-run vehicles, including one in Maharashtra. Excitingly, hydrogen can now be used in traditional petrol and diesel engines, further promoting clean transport.

AI-Driven Orange Farming in Nagpur

Gadkari also touched on his vision to revamp Nagpur’s orange farming using AI technologies and global agri-data analytics. Collaborations with American agricultural experts are being explored to boost yield and productivity in the region.

Unlocking Vidarbha’s Resources: Mining Policy Reforms

Finally, Gadkari addressed reforms in mining, sharing that PM Modi has tasked him with shaping the new mining policy. Under the revamped framework, mining operations can begin by the fourth month. A streamlined system ensures that all six applications are processed in a single day, with approvals mandated within three months.

He cautioned against speculative land hoarding, stating that operators must start mining operations within a fixed timeline or risk losing the block and getting refunded, a lesson drawn from the inefficiencies seen in MIDC plot transfers.

Conclusion

From expressways to mining reforms, green energy to smart agriculture, Vidarbha is undergoing a multi-sectoral transformation under the leadership of Nitin Gadkari. With strategic projects like the Nagpur-Vijayawada Expressway, the region is well on its way to becoming a national logistics powerhouse, unlocking economic growth and creating countless opportunities for industries and communities alike.