But not many entrepreneurs are complaining. As Sinha says, “With 1,25,000 jobs to be created in five years, (5 lakh if you add indirect employment opportunities in the hotels, salons, tailoring shops, eateries, laundries and shops) an estimated Rs 2,400 crore in monthly salaries will be thrust into the economy...There will be an increased demand for new vehicle showrooms, vehicle dealerships and garages to maintain them, airconditioner mechanics, drivers, electricians...” About 10 crore sq ft of construction in MIHAN and the SEZ area means thousands of masons, carpenters, plumbers, painters will be required. Now it’s up to Vidarbha’s people to make themselves employable, he stresses. “Are our technical institutes ready?”

That’s why, young Soni is studying computer science; he even knows somebody who returned from Bangalore for a job at Nagpur’s own software park. “IT is the best bet in Nagpur now,” he says. “It’s a good career plan.”

Planning is key, Chandra agrees. “There is potential, we could be the growth nucleus for all of central India and especially Vidarbha, but we must continue planning ahead.”

Despite that, in Nagpur today, everybody follows the same script. Deodhar says his erstwhile bar dancers in Nagpur included people from every caste and community; Archandani also stresses on a cosmopolitan city welcoming his malls. Jayaswal, whose family—the NECO group—has seen the old industry and is now entering the new, points out that Vidarbha’s political clout has changed. Sinha agrees: MLAs and MPs across parties support MIHAN as a “no-politicking” area, an infrastructure project, not to be trifled with. Finally, diverse stakeholders are on the same page.

... contd.