In a quiet but stunning move, the state government has permanently transferred over 46,000 square meters of prime public land in Nagpur—originally meant for Metro infrastructure—to MahaMetro as freehold, not lease. The handover includes key city locations such as Sitabuldi, Ajni, Dhantoli, Sakkardara, Cotton Market, and Lendra, without any public consultation.
Initially leased under Metro Phase 1 to improve urban mobility, the land is now being quietly commercialized, following a Government Resolution (GR) dated April 28, 2025. Though it claims the land must be used for “designated purposes,” there is no enforcement mechanism—rendering the clause effectively meaningless.
At the heart of this move lies a financial crisis. The state is struggling under World Bank debt from funding Nagpur and Pune’s Metro projects. Instead of protecting public assets, it is enabling MahaMetro to monetize civic land—turning it into malls, office towers, and private developments—to fill budgetary gaps.
Even more troubling is the silence of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), who have failed to oppose this permanent handover of land they were entrusted to protect.
“This isn’t just bad planning—it’s a betrayal,” said environmental activist Anusuya Kale Chabrani. “Once public land becomes private property, it’s lost forever. We’re not just losing space—we’re losing public control over our city’s future.”
As Nagpur grows, so does the value of its land. The real question is: Who is this city being built for? Because when the land meant for the people becomes a commodity, it’s not development—it’s a sale of the city’s soul.
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