Early Life and Education
Ravindra Chavan was born on April 20, 1970, in Dombivli, Maharashtra. He hails from a middle-class family and has a background in engineering. He completed his education in Dombivli and has always been connected to the grassroots level of society.
Political Career
Ravindra Chavan’s political journey began in 1997 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He started as a corporator in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation and gradually rose through the ranks. He has been elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Dombivli constituency in 2009, 2014, and 2019.
Ministerial Positions
Chavan has held significant ministerial roles in the Maharashtra government. He served as the Minister of Public Works Department (PWD) and the Minister of State for Ports, Medical Education, Information, and Technology. His tenure in these positions was marked by his efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve public services. He was also instrumental in promoting digital initiatives in the state, reflecting his commitment to leveraging technology for development.
Major Achievements
During his tenure as PWD Minister, Chavan spearheaded numerous infrastructure projects across Maharashtra, including the development of road networks, bridges, and public buildings. He was a key figure in the execution of the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, a project that has been hailed as a significant boost to the state’s connectivity and economic development.
Chavan also played a vital role in the expansion of the state’s digital infrastructure, supporting initiatives to enhance internet connectivity in rural areas and improve e-governance services.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the country’s largest expansion port, one of the top 10 ports globally, was conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This significant initiative is expected to boost Maharashtra’s progress and enhance its maritime capabilities.
Key Political Initiatives
In response to the Rajkot fort accident in Malvan taluka, a joint technical committee has been established to investigate the incident and oversee the construction of a new statue. The government is committed to preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring safety in similar projects.
Controversy
The Sambhaji Brigade has demanded immediate legal action against Minister Ravindra Chavan following the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue. Accusing Chavan of negligence, the Brigade has urged the Chief Minister to file a criminal case against him. They emphasize the statue’s cultural significance and warn of statewide protests if their demands are not met, signaling potential unrest and growing public dissatisfaction with the handling of culturally significant projects.
Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam labeled Maharashtra PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan as a “useless minister” due to the poor state of the Mumbai-Goa Highway. Kadam criticized Chavan for the incomplete roadwork and questioned the effectiveness of his review meetings. Despite being part of the Mahayuti alliance, Kadam suggested that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should demand Chavan’s resignation. Fadnavis, however, countered Kadam’s remarks, questioning whether they aligned with the principles of their alliance.
Social Media
Personal Life
Chavan is known for his simplicity and accessibility. Despite his busy schedule, he remains closely connected to his roots in Dombivli, where he is well-regarded by his constituents. His personal life reflects his commitment to his family and his community.
Promises and Future Commitments
The state government has approved Rs 377 crore for the widening and concreting of 36 roads in Kalyan rural areas, including Dombivli. Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan announced that work will begin shortly, with a target to complete it within two years. Acknowledging the temporary inconvenience of traffic jams, Chavan appealed for public cooperation. He also highlighted ongoing projects like the Mankoli bridge and additional funds for city beautification, aiming to address long-standing issues in Dombivli.
Minister Ravindra Chavan has committed substantial funds for development in Radhanagari Assembly Constituency, Kolhapur. The projects include:
- Rs. 116.11 crore for Math Kudal Shivdav Kadgaon Gargoti Road
- Rs. 221.97 crore for Kolhapur Parite Gargoti Gadhinglaj Road
- Rs. 15.01 crore for the Upazila Hospital construction at Gargoti
- Rs. 1.60 crore for the beautification of Jyotirling Chowk area at Gargoti
nder the Public Works Department, several key projects have been completed or are underway in the Ashti Assembly Constituency, Beed District:
- Rs. 3.47 crore allocated for the Hatolan-Parodi-Wahira-Pimpri-Kandi-Shiral-Ashti Road (Phase 2).
- Rs. 13.88 crore for the construction of a new court building at Shirur (Phase 2).
- Development includes 38.05 km of roadwork and additional court building projects, with some completed and others in progress.
To ensure a smooth journey for Konkan residents traveling for Ganeshotsav, the government has banned heavy vehicles on the Mumbai-Goa highway during the festival. This decision aims to alleviate traffic jams, making travel to and from Konkan more convenient for those celebrating the festival.
Videos and Interviews