Gadchiroli, once known as a Maoist-affected district, is rapidly emerging as a major steel manufacturing hub, with companies lining up to acquire over 11,000 hectares of land for large-scale projects. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has received proposals from nearly a dozen firms, involving cumulative investments of around ₹1.88 lakh crore.
Most companies are opting for MIDC’s pass-through land acquisition model, under which the state agency acquires land on behalf of private players, easing negotiations in a region dominated by forest and tribal land. Locals are expected to benefit through compensation nearly five times prevailing rates, in line with the Land Acquisition Act.
Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited is the largest applicant, seeking 4,500 hectares for a steel complex and related facilities, with a proposed investment of ₹45,000 crore. JSW Group has also proposed a ₹1 lakh crore steel project requiring 3,700 hectares. Chamorshi is set to become the epicentre of this industrial transformation.
