**New Film City Approved at Igatpuri: A Boost for Maharashtra’s Film Industry**
The Maharashtra government has approved the transfer of state government land for the development of a new film city at Igatpuri, a picturesque location in Nashik district. This decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, with key participants including Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar.
### Modeled on Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari
The proposed film city will be modeled on the successful Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari located in Goregaon. Situated approximately 150 kilometers from Mumbai, the Igatpuri film city is expected to become a significant hub for the film and television industry, attracting filmmakers and artists alike.
### Land Transfer and Location
The Revenue Department has been directed to transfer the identified land under its possession first to the Department of Cultural Affairs, which will subsequently hand it over to the film city authorities.
Chhagan Bhujbal, representing Nashik in the state cabinet, emphasized the scenic beauty of the location and its excellent accessibility from Mumbai via both road and railway networks. He highlighted this advantage as a key factor that would help the new film city flourish.
### Financial Backing and Development Plans
An initial fund allocation of Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for the project through the Nashik Division Development Program. Additionally, the state government had sanctioned a similar amount during the period from 2009 to 2012, underlining its ongoing commitment to this venture.
### Land Survey and Feasibility Study
A survey covering 54.58 hectares of government land at Mundegaon village in Igatpuri taluka has been completed. Based on this, the Nashik district collector has sent a proposal to the Revenue Department for transferring the land to the Cultural Affairs Department.
Moreover, a comprehensive feasibility study has been undertaken by the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City Corporation in collaboration with MITCON. The finalized report has been submitted to the Maharashtra Film and Cultural Development Corporation for further action.
### Financial Consultancy and Future Steps
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that leading professional services firm KPMG has been appointed as a consultant to analyze the feasibility report. KPMG will conduct a detailed financial viability and gap analysis and is expected to submit their findings by the end of November.
This new film city at Igatpuri is poised to contribute significantly to Maharashtra’s film industry infrastructure, providing fresh opportunities for production and employment while enhancing the region’s cultural prominence.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-clears-land-transfer-for-new-film-city-in-igatpuri-kpmg-to-submit-viability-report-by-november
