The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved a series of significant policy decisions during its meeting on July 28, 2026. The measures span urban infrastructure, judicial reforms, electoral governance, agriculture, and revenue administration.
Among the biggest announcements were a substantial capital infusion for Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited (MRVC), the establishment of eight new courts, an AI-focused agriculture initiative, and stricter penalties to curb illegal mining.
Mumbai Rail Infrastructure Gets Major Capital Boost
The Cabinet approved a significant enhancement of the financial structure of Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited (MRVC) to accelerate the expansion of Mumbai’s suburban railway network.
Under the decision:
- Authorized share capital has been increased from ₹25 crore to ₹500 crore.
- Paid-up share capital has been raised from ₹25 crore to ₹225 crore.
The additional capital is expected to strengthen MRVC’s ability to undertake new railway infrastructure projects aimed at improving capacity, reducing congestion, and enhancing commuter services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Deadline Extended for Caste Validity Certificates
The Cabinet also approved an ordinance amending the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act, 1959 and the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961.
The amendment extends the deadline for candidates elected from reserved categories in rural local bodies to submit their Caste Validity Verification Certificates.
The move is intended to provide administrative relief while ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements for elected representatives.
Eight New Courts Approved Across Maharashtra
To address the growing backlog of pending cases and improve access to justice, the state government approved the establishment of eight new courts across multiple districts.
The new judicial infrastructure includes:
- A Special NDPS Court in Pune to fast-track more than 1,400 pending cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
- Five exclusive Special Courts under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Ahilyanagar, Parbhani, Solapur, Nanded, and Yavatmal.
- A District and Additional Sessions Court in Karjat (Ahilyanagar district).
- A Civil Court (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Kurduwadi (Solapur district).
The government expects these courts to reduce delays and ensure faster disposal of cases.
Maharashtra Launches AI Push in Agriculture
In a move to modernize the agricultural sector, the Cabinet approved the creation of the post of Managing Director for the MahaAgri-AI Policy’s Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation Centre.
The centre will lead the adoption of artificial intelligence, data-driven farming practices, and emerging agritech solutions aimed at improving productivity, crop management, and decision-making for farmers.
The initiative reflects Maharashtra’s broader effort to integrate advanced technologies into agriculture.
Tougher Action Against Illegal Mining
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Section 48(7) of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, introducing stricter penalties for illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals.
Under the revised provisions, offenders will face a penalty equal to 10 times the applicable royalty amount.
The government says the tougher fines are intended to discourage illegal mining, protect natural resources, and improve compliance with mining regulations.
Why It Matters
The latest Maharashtra Cabinet decisions reflect the state’s focus on strengthening public infrastructure, improving judicial efficiency, promoting technology-driven agriculture, and tightening governance.
From expanding Mumbai’s suburban railway network to establishing specialised courts and introducing AI into farming, the measures aim to address long-standing administrative challenges while supporting Maharashtra’s long-term economic and infrastructure development.
