The Maharashtra State Road Improvement Project Phase-III, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has been officially launched. Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan presided over the virtual bhoomi poojan ceremony, marking the start of the development of 1,480 km of cement concrete roads across 24 districts, with an investment of Rs 127.68 billion.

Key districts, including Vidarbha, Jalgaon, Dhule, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, will benefit from enhanced road networks aimed at easing commutes and boosting industrial and agricultural transport. The project also focuses on sustainability, with plans to plant 3 lakh trees and improve groundwater through water recharge systems. ADB is contributing Rs 41.5 billion, while the remaining funding will come from the central government and state budget.