Maharashtra’s Ambitious AI and Tech Innovations

Maharashtra is on the verge of establishing itself as a prominent player in artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has laid out an extensive vision aimed at propelling digital transformation, enhancing economic growth, and improving infrastructure. During his address at the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Summit held in Mumbai on Tuesday, CM Fadnavis emphasized the state’s dedication to utilising AI and digital resources to improve governance and strengthen the economy.

He mentioned that Maharashtra has achieved notable progress in providing digital services, with the majority of government services now accessible online. To further solidify its position as a technology-centric state, an AI Centre has been inaugurated at Mumbai University, together with a specialised industry centre in partnership with the World Economic Forum.

Aiming for a $1 Trillion Economy

In his unveiling of an ambitious economic strategy, CM Fadnavis remarked that the state is working alongside NITI Aayog to develop a pioneering economic framework. Efforts are underway to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMRDA) into a cornerstone of a $1.5 trillion economy.

Maharashtra stands as a leader in India’s fintech and data centre industries, accommodating 60% of the nation’s data centres. Construction of a large-scale data centre park is in progress in Navi Mumbai, and by 2030, it is anticipated that half of the state’s energy generation will be sourced from green energy, according to an official government statement.

AI and Tech Integration Across Sectors

The Chief Minister reiterated Mumbai’s status as India’s “Fintech Capital” and revealed plans to incorporate AI-driven enhancements across multiple sectors. The upcoming Kumbh Mela, to be held in Nashik in 2027, is set to benefit from advanced measures for crowd management, security, and virtual experiences according to the CM.

In addition, agriculture is entering a digital transformation phase with initiatives such as ‘Agri-Stat,’ aimed at the complete digitisation of agricultural practices. The ‘Drone Shakti’ programme is also set to equip farmers with drone technology, which will help reduce costs associated with agricultural spraying while improving efficiency.

Building the Future: Innovation City and GCC Parks

As part of the technological initiatives for Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis announced the establishment of an ‘Innovation City’ adjacent to the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Spanning across 300 acres, this city is slated to focus on cutting-edge research, AI, and technological advancements, positioning it among India’s most sophisticated urban environments.

Additionally, Maharashtra plans to create Global Capability Centre (GCC) Parks in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nashik.

CM Fadnavis called on industry leaders and experts to share innovative concepts and bolster Maharashtra’s quest to emerge as an AI-driven economic centre.

(with inputs from ANI)