The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday announced a partnership with billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite communications venture, Starlink, to roll out satellite-based internet services across the state, becoming the first Indian state to collaborate with the US firm formally.
A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between the state government and Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd, marking a major step toward expanding digital connectivity in remote and underserved areas, news agency PTI reported.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the partnership will bring high-speed satellite internet to government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure in districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv.
CM Fadnavis described the move as a milestone in Maharashtra’s Digital Maharashtra initiative, aligning with the state’s EV, coastal development, and disaster resilience programmes, PTI reported.
“It is our honour that Starlink is coming to India and partnering with Maharashtra,” Fadnavis wrote on X, adding that the collaboration will make Maharashtra a leader in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure.
Calling the agreement a “giant leap towards a future-ready Maharashtra,” he said the initiative will set a new benchmark for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India mission at the grassroots level.
Complete key projects within three years: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis has warned all the contractors to complete projects such as the Mumbai Metro, housing redevelopment, BDD Chawl and other infrastructure works within a three-year timeframe.
“In today’s age of technology, no projects should take five to six years. All projects must be completed within 2.5-3 years of time,” Fadnavis said as he chaired a review meeting of the ‘Infrastructure War Room’ in Mumbai on Monday.
According to sources close to the CM, Fadnavis expressed displeasure with the slow progress of some ongoing projects.
“The CM asked government officials and contractors about problems for completing projects within the expected time span,” a close aide of the CM said.
Several projects were discussed during the meeting, including a few under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). While concluding the meeting, Fadnavis instructed his team and other senior officials to continuously monitor the development and infrastructure projects.
“Keep tabs on the progress of the project and take a review during every war room meeting,” Fadnavis said.
The CM war room has been set up to give strategic inputs and provide necessary support to key projects of Maharashtra. The war room gives more attention to infrastructure, health, industries and other vital projects and issues of Maharashtra, most of them directly linked to providing better facilities and services to citizens.
(With PTI inputs)
