Dhule and Nandurbar to Emerge as Major Industrial Hubs in the Future – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Inauguration of Tapanbhai Patel Memorial Hospital and Various Development Projects at Shirpur

Dhule, April 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that efforts will be initiated to establish an industrial estate in Shirpur taluka through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), along with approval for constructing barrages on the Arunavati River. He expressed confidence that Dhule and Nandurbar districts will emerge as major industrial centers in the state in the future. He also noted that investments worth ₹40,000 crore have flowed into Dhule district over the past one and a half years.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the late Tapanbhai Patel Memorial Hospital in Shirpur. Later, at the premises of R.C. Patel College of Pharmacy, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various educational institutions and industrial projects operated by Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal.

The event was attended by Marketing and Protocol Minister and Guardian Minister Jaykumar Rawal, Textile Minister Sanjay Savkare, MLAs Amrishbhai Patel, Kashiram Pawara, Shirish Naik, Raghvendra Patil, Anup Agrawal, Rajesh Padvi, Manjula Gavit, Amshya Padvi, Dhule Mayor Maya Pardeshi, former MP Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Dr. Heena Gavit, and other dignitaries.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched an AI-based e-governance portal developed by the District Collector’s office. Several projects were inaugurated remotely, including an Ayurvedic College, Agriculture College, Pharmacy College at Tardi, and R.C. Patel English Medium School at Nimzari. Foundation stones were laid for a medical college building at Kharde, Yahamoga Mata Temple at Natwade, memorials of tribal freedom fighters Birsa Munda and Khajya Naik, and a motor driving school at Dahivad.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that along with food, clothing, and shelter, education, healthcare, and employment have become key needs in modern times. Shirpur’s development based on this triad serves as a model for the state. He emphasized that industries in the 21st century depend not just on capital but also on skilled manpower. With engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture colleges, Shirpur has become a hub for quality human resources. He also praised the establishment of a modern hospital in a tribal region comparable to facilities in cities like Mumbai and Pune.

He further stated that efforts will be made to identify an anchor investor and establish an IT park in Shirpur. The ‘Super 50’ initiative for tribal students is building confidence among them and reflects true tribal welfare. He also highlighted the success of the textile industry and the ‘Shirpur Pattern’ water conservation model in transforming drought-prone areas.

Fadnavis added that after Dhule’s inclusion in the list of aspirational districts, significant investments have been secured, especially in chemical and food processing sectors. A 250 MW solar power project at Dondaicha will mark a major step in green energy. Improved highways, irrigation, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and the Indore-Manmad railway line are creating a strong industrial ecosystem in the region.

He announced that government schemes currently available for revenue land will soon be extended to forest land, providing relief to tribal communities. Assuring full support for Shirpur’s development, he said the government will stand firmly with the region.

Guardian Minister Jaykumar Rawal said Shirpur has made remarkable progress in education, irrigation, and industry. The AI-based administrative system and the new medical college are sources of pride for the district. The modern hospital named after Tapanbhai Patel will provide major healthcare support to the Khandesh region.

Textile Minister Sanjay Savkare said the hospital will benefit not only Dhule but also Jalgaon, Nandurbar, and neighboring areas of Madhya Pradesh. He noted that the high quality of education in Shirpur is attracting students who might otherwise go to big cities.

MLA Amrishbhai Patel highlighted the establishment of a 1,200-bed modern hospital offering affordable healthcare, benefiting poor populations in surrounding districts. He also noted that around 15,000 to 17,000 youth have been employed in the textile sector, improving living standards.

In his introductory remarks, MLA Kashiram Pawara said the state is progressing under Chief Minister Fadnavis’ leadership and emphasized the need to relax forest department norms to improve road connectivity in tribal areas of Shirpur taluka.