By December 2026, Farmers to Get 12 Hours of Free Electricity – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Foundation Stone Laid and Inauguration of Development Works Including New Administrative Building at Arvi

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced today at a foundation stone-laying and inauguration ceremony in Arvi that by December 2026, 80% of farmers in Maharashtra will receive 12 hours of free electricity throughout the year. Additionally, over the next five years, the electricity bills for common citizens will be reduced annually. He also stated that various irrigation projects in Wardha district, including the Lower Wardha and Vadona-Pimpalkhuta lift irrigation schemes, will supply both water and electricity for farming. Moreover, an MIDC (industrial estate) will be established at the node along the Samruddhi Expressway passing through Wardha, creating ample employment opportunities.

CM Fadnavis inaugurated the new administrative building in Arvi and virtually launched and laid the foundation stone for development works worth ₹720 crore. The event was attended by Minister of State for Home (Rural) and Guardian Minister Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, MP Amar Kale, MLAs Dadarao Keche, Sumit Wankhede, Sameer Kunawar, Rajesh Bakane, former MP Ramdas Tadas, Collector Vanmathi C., and CEO of the Zilla Parishad Jitin Rahman.

Fadnavis emphasized that the state government has begun implementing key policies for the benefit of farmers. He reiterated the plan to provide 12 hours of free electricity daily to 80% of farmers by the end of 2026. Furthermore, the state is working towards reducing electricity bills for consumers from 2025 to 2030. Families using up to 300 units of power will be brought under solar energy schemes and offered free electricity.

Several important development projects in the Arvi constituency were inaugurated, aiming to boost the region’s growth. The state government will fully support the implementation of the Lower Wardha and Vadona-Pimpalkhuta irrigation projects. The Lower Wardha project will generate 500 MW of electricity, while the Vadona-Pimpalkhuta scheme is set to receive approval soon.

Fadnavis also highlighted that the Samruddhi Expressway has accelerated development in Wardha. Future projects like the Shaktipith Expressway and a dry port in Sindhi will position the district as a logistics hub in central India. Approval for the Virul node on the expressway is expected soon, where an MIDC will be established, creating a favorable ecosystem for industries and generating local employment. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Maharashtra signed MoUs worth ₹16.5 lakh crore, out of which ₹7 lakh crore is earmarked for Vidarbha. Major investments are expected in Wardha and other districts of the region.

The state is also promoting iron ore-based industries in districts like Wardha, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Nagpur, offering special incentives. Gadchiroli is emerging as a steel capital, and the government has received large-scale investment proposals for the region.

The Wainganga-Nalganga river-linking project will bring water to drought-prone areas in ten districts of Vidarbha, including Wardha. The project involves creating a new 550 km river using 62 TMC of spillover water from the Gosikhurd Dam, with a ₹1 lakh crore budget. Final approvals have been secured, and work is expected to begin by late this year or early next year.

A Historic Day for Wardha – Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar

Guardian Minister Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar described the occasion as historic for Wardha. The CM inaugurated and laid the foundation for 11 development works worth ₹720 crore across three talukas in the Arvi constituency. He mentioned that 476 government schools are being converted into model schools across the state, with the first phase launching on April 14, 2025, on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. Three schools from Arvi constituency are part of this initiative, which will bring positive changes in the education sector.

MP Amar Kale, MLAs Sumit Wankhede and Dadarao Keche addressed the gathering. District Collector Vanmathi C. gave the welcome address, and Sub-Divisional Officer Vishwas Shirsat proposed the vote of thanks.

10 Virtual Inaugurations and Foundation Stones Laid by the CM

CM Fadnavis virtually inaugurated 10 key projects and performed bhoomipujan in Arvi, including:

• Arvi Lift Irrigation Scheme
• New building of Gandhi Vidyalaya, Arvi
• New swimming pool in Arvi city
• Internal roads in Arvi city
• Beautification and conservation of Sarangpuri Lake
• 100-bed sub-district hospital building in Arvi
• PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme at Solargram Neri Mirzapur, Arvi Taluka
• Road under HAM Phase-2 in Karanja Taluka in MIDC
• Launch of six official vehicles under the 100-day campaign for the Collector’s office

These initiatives are expected to drive growth and improve quality of life in Wardha and surrounding areas.