Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 09 October, 2024 virtually laid the foundation stone of various development projects of more than Rs 7,600 crore in Maharashtra.

These include the upgradation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and the new integrated terminal building at the Shirdi Airport in the state via video conference.

The Prime Minister also virtually inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills Mumbai and Vidya Samiksha Kendra in Maharashtra and launched 10 new government medical colleges in the state. The medical colleges are located in Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Gadchiroli, Buldhana, Washim, Bhandara, Hingoli and Ambernath (Thane).

While enhancing the under-graduate and post-graduate seats, the colleges will also offer specialised tertiary healthcare to the people.

The Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Mumbai has been set up with an aim to create an industry-ready workforce with cutting-edge technology and hands-on training. Established under a public-private partnership model, it is a collaboration between the Tata Education and Development Trust and the Central government.

The upgradation of the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur will be done with a total estimated project cost of around Rs 7,000 crore.

It will serve as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, aviation, tourism, logistics, and healthcare, benefitting Nagpur city and the wider Vidarbha region.

The new integrated terminal building at the Shirdi Airport, to be set up at a cost of Rs 645 crore, will provide world-class facilities and amenities for the religious tourists. Its construction theme is based on the spiritual Neem tree of Saibaba.