Ministers Spotlight AI, Infrastructure, Sustainability & Industry
Times Network Digital hosted the ET Now.in Business Conclave and Awards 2026, West Edition in association with Onextel Communications, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, industry experts and innovators to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges shaping Maharashtra and Western India’s economic growth. Over 90+ winners were awards for their excellence across various fields. The event also celebrated excellence across sectors, with more than 90 winners recognised for their outstanding contributions and achievements across diverse fields.
Addressing the ET Now.in Business Conclave and Awards 2026, West Edition in association with Onextel Communications, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde outlined the state’s infrastructure expansion, connectivity, skilled workforce and industrial ecosystem as key drivers that continue to place Maharashtra at the forefront of India’s economic development. Highlighting Maharashtra’s ambition to become a USD 1 trillion economy, Deputy CM Shinde said the state is accelerating infrastructure development, attracting investments and creating a stronger environment for businesses to grow. He emphasised Maharashtra’s role in India’s larger economic trajectory, stating that the state is “not just participating” but is “leading India’s growth story”.
Reflecting on Maharashtra’s participation at the Davos Economic Forum, Deputy CM Shinde highlighted the scale of investment interest generated by the state. During his second visit, investment MoUs worth Rs 4 lakh crore were secured, while subsequent efforts resulted in proposals worth around Rs 10 lakh crore and Rs 12 lakh crore, respectively.
On Mumbai’s expanding public transport infrastructure, Deputy CM Shinde said around 337 km of metro network is currently being developed across Maharashtra, with the network eventually expected to expand to 500 km. He also outlined the state’s road infrastructure plans, highlighting projects including the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg, which has reduced travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from around 20–22 hours to approximately 6–7 hours.
Speaking at the conclave, Environment and Climate Change and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde spoke about the state’s approach during an interaction at the ETNow.in Business Conclave & Awards 2026 – West Edition. Maharashtra is stepping up efforts to tackle water pollution, with a major focus on reviving polluted rivers and making urban development more sustainable.
Notably, earlier this year, the Maharashtra government approved the creation of the Maharashtra State River Rejuvenation Authority (MSRRA), a unified body aimed at restoring polluted rivers, reducing contamination and managing river basins. Under the programme, 54 polluted river stretches across the state will be taken up for rejuvenation – the highest among Indian states – with an estimated investment of around Rs 2,000 crore. She said the Environment Department cannot work in isolation and needs greater convergence with the Urban Development and Rural Development departments.
Among the other Ministers from the state were, Ashish Shelar, who address the AI economy in Maharashtra; Chhagan Bhujbal, who discussed future-ready food supply chains; Sanjay Shirsat emphasised the role of industry in shaping the future of Maharashtra’s youth, calling for greater contribution from industrialists towards creating opportunities and building a brighter future for students across the state.
Bringing together more than 20 speakers and over 300 delegates, the ETNow.in Business Conclave & Awards 2026 – West Edition featured eight-plus sessions covering some of the most consequential themes shaping Maharashtra and Western India.
The Insurance partner for the event was LIC, while OOH partner was SIMCA advertising LTD.