CM fast-tracks city revamp, Zero Mile to house Rs45 crore heritage hub
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Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed the immediate launch of key civic and cultural infrastructure projects across Nagpur, including the transformation of the historic Zero Mile site into a major national
heritage and tourist destination
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A Rs45 crore plan to develop the site was given a go ahead, with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) funding most of the project and the state govt set to cover the remaining cost."Zero Mile should not remain just a geographical point, it must be an experience," Fadnavis said at a high-level review meeting in Mumbai.
"Projects like the Zero Mile upgrade, Cotton Market redevelopment, Orange City Street, and the prison relocation must begin immediately. No proposal should be held up due to tenders or finances."The Zero Mile project will include an experience centre that narrates how Nagpur came to be recognised as the notional centre of undivided India. The plan involves the construction of a museum, visitor amenities, and parking using natural light design. The land belongs to the state govt, and maintenance will be overseen by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation post-completion.The meeting also reviewed the proposed performance gallery and auditorium at Orange City Street on Plot No. 14, designed by architect Hafeez Contractor. While the project awaits final clearance from the Airports Authority of India, 12 alternate sites have been shortlisted. The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) will implement the project, which includes an academy of performance arts with 6.2 lakh sq ft of permissible construction, including a 1.2 lakh sq ft auditorium.To ensure smooth redevelopment of key commercial zones, plans are being drawn up to relocate shopkeepers near the Ganeshpeth bus depot. Coordination between the Nagpur Improvement Trust and MSIDC is underway.Among other updates, the revised Rs67 crore proposal for Dik Dawakhana was approved, meeting updated valuation and administrative norms. Redevelopment plans for Netaji Market and Dahi Bazaar are also progressing, although officials flagged the low commercial viability of Dahi Bazaar. A proposal to convert it into a parking facility with guaranteed rehabilitation for existing vendors was discussed.Throughout the meeting, Fadnavis emphasised speed, efficiency, and public engagement. "These projects represent Nagpur's identity. Delays caused by red tape are unacceptable," he said.Top officials from the MSIDC, NIT, and NMRDA were present, reinforcing the state's intent to streamline multi-agency coordination for city-wide development.
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