Maharashtra Government Sanctions 54.58 Hectares Land for Nashik's Igatpuri Film City to Boost Regional Cinema

The Maharashtra government has officially approved the allocation of land for establishing the state's second Film City in Igatpuri, Nashik district, marking a significant step toward decentralizing the entertainment industry and promoting regional economic development. The project, which draws inspiration from Mumbai's iconic Goregaon Film City, aims to create a comprehensive film production hub in North Maharashtra.

Deputy CM Announces Major Land Transfer for Entertainment Hub

During a high-level meeting held on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the state's revenue department would be transferring 54.58 hectares of government-owned land located in Mundegaon village, Igatpuri Taluka, to the Department of Cultural Affairs for the execution of this ambitious project. The decision was made following extensive deliberations on infrastructure development and upcoming real estate projects in Mumbai and surrounding regions.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Connectivity

The proposed Film City will be situated on approximately 135 acres of land in Mundegaon village within Igatpuri Taluka of Nashik District. Officials highlighted that the location's strategic positioning offers seamless connectivity from Mumbai through the newly operational Samruddhi Expressway, making it an ideal choice for film production houses and creative professionals seeking alternatives to the congested metropolitan areas.

The state government has appointed KPMG as the official consultant to conduct comprehensive financial viability studies and gap analysis for the project. The consultancy firm has been mandated to submit its detailed report by the end of November 2025, which will outline investment requirements, revenue projections, and potential public-private partnership models.

Revival of Decade-Old Regional Development Initiative

The current development represents the revival of the Nashik Division Development Programme that was initially conceived in 2009. Under that programme, the state government had sanctioned Rs 10 crore between 2009 and 2012 specifically for establishing a film production hub in the region. However, the project remained dormant for over a decade due to various administrative and planning challenges.

Recent months have witnessed renewed momentum, with land surveys being completed and formal proposals being submitted to relevant authorities. The Nashik Collector's office has already forwarded the land transfer proposal to the revenue department, while the cultural affairs department is preparing comprehensive execution strategies, similar to recent infrastructure transformation initiatives in Mumbai.

Government Officials Express Optimism About Economic Impact

Deputy Chief Minister's Vision

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that the revenue department had received clear directives to expedite the land transfer process to the cultural affairs department. He emphasized that the Film City would serve multiple purposes beyond entertainment production, including generating substantial employment opportunities and attracting tourism investments to Nashik district. Pawar noted that the project aligns with the state's broader strategy of distributing economic growth across different regions, similar to ongoing mega township developments near Navi Mumbai.

Minister Highlights Connectivity Advantages

Chhagan Bhujbal, Maharashtra's Food and Civil Supplies Minister, pointed out that Igatpuri's geographical proximity to Mumbai combined with superior connectivity through the Samruddhi Mahamarg positions it as an optimal location for such a facility. He described the initiative as a potential game-changer for the economic landscape of North Maharashtra, capable of attracting significant private investments in the entertainment and hospitality sectors.

Expected Benefits and Strategic Significance

Regional Cinema Development

Industry experts believe the new Film City will function as a vital production hub for Marathi, Bhojpuri, and various other regional language films. This development could significantly reduce production costs for regional filmmakers who currently depend on expensive facilities in Mumbai or must travel to other states for shooting locations.

Employment Generation Potential

According to preliminary estimates, the project holds potential to create thousands of direct employment opportunities in film production, technical services, and creative fields. Additionally, indirect employment in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and ancillary services is expected to provide livelihood opportunities for local communities, contributing to regional real estate market growth similar to recent trends observed in Mumbai.

Tourism and Entertainment Destination

The establishment of Film City in Igatpuri is anticipated to transform the region into a major destination for film tourism. Plans include provisions for studio tours, theme parks, and entertainment facilities that could attract both domestic and international tourists. This aligns with Maharashtra's vision of developing multiple entertainment and cultural hubs beyond Mumbai's traditional boundaries.

Decongestion of Mumbai's Film Infrastructure

The project offers a strategic solution for film production companies seeking alternatives to Mumbai's increasingly congested and expensive infrastructure. With most real estate construction happening in Mumbai's western suburbs, the pressure on existing facilities has intensified, making satellite production centers essential for the industry's sustainable growth.

Next Steps and Implementation Timeline

Following KPMG's comprehensive feasibility study, the state government plans to finalize funding mechanisms, detailed project layouts, and implementation timelines. The study will evaluate various aspects including infrastructure requirements, utility connections, environmental clearances, and potential partnership models with private entertainment companies.

Officials indicated that once the consultancy report is received and reviewed, the government would invite expressions of interest from developers and production houses interested in participating in the project. The model being considered may involve a hybrid approach combining government land provision with private sector investment for facility development and operations, similar to successful models implemented in other states.

Broader Implications for Maharashtra's Entertainment Sector

The Igatpuri Film City represents Maharashtra's strategic commitment to expanding its creative economy infrastructure beyond traditional metropolitan limits. The initiative demonstrates the state's intent to leverage its cultural capital while promoting balanced regional development. By establishing world-class production facilities in Nashik district, the government aims to position Maharashtra as India's undisputed entertainment hub while ensuring that growth benefits extend to tier-2 and tier-3 regions.

Industry observers note that this development could potentially inspire similar initiatives in other parts of the state, creating a network of specialized entertainment zones that collectively enhance Maharashtra's competitiveness in attracting national and international film productions. The project's success could serve as a template for other states considering similar investments in cultural infrastructure, particularly those seeking to diversify their economic base beyond traditional sectors.

With the land allocation now formally approved and expert consultants engaged, the Igatpuri Film City project has moved from planning to implementation phase, marking a significant milestone in Maharashtra's vision to transform Nashik into a new cultural and cinematic powerhouse while maintaining Mumbai's leadership in India's entertainment industry.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available from government announcements and official sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify specific details from official government channels and relevant authorities before making any decisions. The project timelines, investment figures, and implementation details mentioned are subject to change based on government decisions, feasibility studies, and regulatory approvals. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or professional advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult appropriate professionals before taking any action based on this information.