A major digital infrastructure push has been initiated by the Maharashtra government, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region being positioned as India’s leading data centre hub. A total investment plan of ₹16.7 lakh crore is being taken forward through existing, ongoing and proposed projects.
At present, 20 data centres are already operational in the state. In addition, 28 projects worth ₹7.77 lakh crore are under implementation, while another 16 projects involving ₹8.91 lakh crore are in the planning stage. It was stated during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that nearly 60% of India’s data centres would be located in MMR after these projects are completed.
The move is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s role in India’s digital economy. Demand for data centres has been rising due to cloud services, digital payments, artificial intelligence, online businesses and enterprise data storage. With this plan, MMR is being developed as a key destination for technology-led investment. Alongside this infrastructure push, several welfare measures have also been announced for Maratha students. Benefits that are currently available to OBC students will now be extended to Maratha students. These include the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme as well as scholarships at the primary, secondary and higher secondary levels.
Educational concessions and facilities available to OBC students across various courses will also be provided to Maratha students. Reimbursement benefits under other government schemes will be extended to students studying in aided and unaided colleges. The benefits will also cover Maratha students from Maharashtra who take admission in aided or unaided professional courses in other states. In addition, the motor vehicle driver and conductor training scheme run by SARATHI will be extended to Maratha youth.
Maratha students studying in government and private Industrial Training Institutes will also be eligible for reimbursement of professional training fees, similar to OBC students. Overall, the decisions reflect a dual focus on economic development and educational support.