Maharashtra

A sharp increase in excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in Maharashtra has triggered an outcry from industry leaders, who warn that the hike could upend the state's alcohol ecosystem. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) cautions that the new policy—raising the duty to 4.5 times the manufacturing cost—may inflate retail prices by up to 85%, discouraging legal sales, promoting illicit trade, and destabilizing the market.

India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape in the financial year 2024-25 witnessed a significant shift, with Maharashtra and Karnataka together accounting for over half of the country’s total FDI inflows. According to the latest data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Maharashtra alone attracted USD 19.6 billion, representing 31 per cent of India’s total FDI, while Karnataka drew in USD 6.62 billion. These figures underscore the states’ growing economic clout, driven by improved infrastructure and robust investor confidence.

The Maharashtra government has proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the operation of electric bike taxi services across the state, particularly in cities with populations exceeding one lakh. Under the draft "Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025," released on May 22, the state aims to foster sustainable transport while creating over 20,000 new jobs. The rules mandate stringent licensing, safety, and operational standards, with a clear focus on women’s safety and digital regulation.

Maharashtra, one of India’s agricultural powerhouses, is bracing for a notable decline in soybean cultivation this year, with the sown area projected to shrink by 200,000 hectares. The drop is rooted in a combination of depressed market prices, erratic rainfall, delayed procurement, and volatile policy decisions on imports. While soybean has long been regarded as a profitable Kharif crop, especially in regions like Marathwada, recent experiences have left farmers disillusioned.

In a bold display of economic ambition, Maharashtra has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-phase roadmap aimed at transforming the state into a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047. At the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined this vision, detailing strategic targets across governance, sustainability, and industrial growth. The state’s blueprint includes a USD 1 trillion milestone by 2030, green energy commitments, and significant foreign direct investment inflows.

Maharashtra’s new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2025, approved by the state government, aims to make the state a national leader in sustainable transportation. The policy introduces several initiatives, including toll waivers for certain EVs, purchase subsidies, and significant investments in charging infrastructure. Tata Motors has endorsed the policy, highlighting its potential to boost EV adoption through incentives, operational cost reductions, and improved accessibility.

Avaada Group has entered into an initial agreement with the Maharashtra government to develop two massive pumped storage hydroelectric projects in the state, with a total capacity of 3,600 MW. The projects—Pawana Falyan (2,400 MW) and Sirsala (1,200 MW)—will require a combined investment of Rs 15,100 crore and are expected to generate over 3,800 direct jobs. These projects are integral to strengthening Maharashtra’s clean energy infrastructure, supporting grid reliability, and ensuring a consistent supply of renewable power.

The Maharashtra government is advancing an ambitious plan to develop Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar into a key industrial hub by acquiring 8,000 acres of land for new industrial units. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the city's transformation into India's electric vehicle (EV) capital while outlining infrastructure improvements, including a ring road, flyovers, and plans to address drought and water management issues.

In a landmark move that signals a strategic pivot towards sustainability and technological advancement, Hindalco Industries has inaugurated a Rs. 500-crore manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, aimed at serving India's fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. The state-of-the-art plant will produce advanced aluminium battery enclosures—lightweight, crash-resistant components critical to EV performance and safety.

India's sugar production for the ongoing 2024-25 season has witnessed a significant drop, with a total of 25.49 million tonnes produced so far, marking an 18% decline from the previous year. The downturn is primarily attributed to lower output from the country’s top three sugar-producing states—Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) reports a notable reduction in production across these states, significantly impacting overall output.