Tue Apr 01 18:33:30 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Approves Electric Bike Taxi Policy, Major Infrastructure Projects

**Mumbai, April 2, 2025** – The Maharashtra state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved a new policy for electric bike taxis aimed at solo commuters, among other key initiatives. The policy, proposed by State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, prioritizes women’s safety with features like partitions and roof covers. It’s projected to create 10,000 jobs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and 20,000 statewide. Financial aid of ₹10,000 will be provided to children of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers associated with government-certified corporations who wish to operate e-bike taxis. The policy, based on a committee’s recommendations, is considered a first step towards a pollution-free Maharashtra.

The cabinet also greenlit significant infrastructure projects, including:

* **Gadchiroli Development:** The establishment of the Gadchiroli District Mineral Foundation to foster industrial growth and MSMEs. A new authority, chaired by the Chief Minister, will oversee the mineral sector. The Wadsa-Desaiganj-Gadchiroli railway project received approval, with the state contributing ₹943.025 crore (50% of the total cost).
* **Other Infrastructure:** The Nandurbar district’s Nagthan Medium Project (₹161.12 crore administrative expenditure), three Sindphana river projects (over ₹58 crore), and an incentive grant of ₹79.71 lakh for 500 farmers in Thane district’s Murbad taluk.

Furthermore, the cabinet approved the creation of “Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement (MARVEL),” leveraging AI for law enforcement. These decisions were made during the first cabinet meeting following the budget session.

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