Davos/New Delhi:
At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is spearheading a significant presence, highlighting the state’s robust commitment to electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI). Fadnavis’s remarks underscore the importance of embracing technological advancements, drawing a compelling analogy between technology and riding a horse – emphasizing the need to adapt and harness these innovations rather than fear them.
Maharashtra’s prominent role at the WEF is marked by its focus on electric vehicles, an area where the state is attracting substantial investments. Fadnavis pointed out that companies like Mahindra, Toyota, and GSW are setting up EV manufacturing plants in Maharashtra, signaling a bright future for sustainable transportation. This investment surge aligns with India’s broader push for green mobility, supported by government initiatives such as the FAME scheme and state-level EV policies.
The state is aggressively transitioning its public transport to EVs, with the BMC and MSRTC placing orders for 5,000 electric vehicles each. Pune has already integrated 1,000 EVs into its fleet, and the goal is to make the entire public transport system green within the next three to four years. This transition is not only environmentally beneficial but also reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean mobility.
In addition to EVs, defence manufacturing is another key sector where Maharashtra is making significant strides. The state has created a robust ecosystem for defence equipment manufacturing, with partnerships with companies like Bharat Forge. The import obligation policy introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in boosting local manufacturing, leading to the export of defence equipment from India.
Fadnavis also announced plans to establish an Innovation City spanning 100 hectares near Mumbai, further solidifying the state’s position as a hub for technological innovation. His advocacy for embracing AI is clear, as he believes that technology, like a horse, must be ridden and harnessed to drive progress. He emphasized the need for upskilling and reskilling to adapt to the AI-driven job market, acknowledging that while AI may replace some jobs, it will also create new ones.
India’s participation at Davos is robust, with five Union ministers, three chief ministers, and several state ministers attending the forum. The country aims to strengthen international partnerships, attract investments, and position itself as a global leader in sustainable development and technological innovation.
In a related development, Blue Energy Motors has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to invest ₹3,500 crore in an EV truck manufacturing plant. This facility, set to begin operations in the fiscal year 2025-26, will have an annual capacity of 30,000 vehicles and will include advanced R&D capabilities, a battery-pack production line, and motor manufacturing units. This project is expected to create over 4,000 jobs and contribute significantly to Maharashtra’s green energy transition.
Trending
- “For India’s Betterment”: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Future To Be Decided After…
- ‘6.75 Lakh Undocumented Indian Immigrants In US’: Asaduddin Owaisi
- Massive Blow To India As Virat Kohli Ruled Out Of 1st ODI Due To Knee Injury
- India Vs England: Yashasvi Jaiswal And Harshit Rana Make ODI Debuts
- Delhi Exit Polls Live: BJP Comeback In Delhi After 2 Decades, AAP Out, Predict Exit Polls
- “Process Of Deportation Not New”: S Jaishankar On US Sending Back 104 Indians
- 10-year WAIVER on electricity charges to solar rooftop beneficiaries
- Chandrayaan-4 To Launch In 2027: Union Minister Jitendra Singh