
Green flag for 24-hour business in Maharashtra: New wings for the economy!
Mumbai, October 2, 2025: The Maharashtra government has allowed all shops, hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments in the state to remain open for 24 hours, creating a wave of joy in the commercial sector. Experts believe that this decision will boost the state's economy and promote tourism. However, it has been clarified that liquor shops, bar permit rooms, hookah parlours and country bars will not get this facility. This historic decision will give a new dimension to all-night markets, food streets and shopping malls in metropolitan cities like Mumbai.
According to an ordinance issued by the Maharashtra Industries, Energy and Labour Department, now all commercial establishments in the state have been allowed to operate for 24 hours with the permission of the local municipal corporation or municipal council. Earlier, 24-hour business was allowed in some specific areas in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, but now this rule will be applicable in the entire state. "This decision is a significant milestone in Maharashtra's economic development. In the era of globalization, a 24x7 model of economy is inevitable," said Industries Minister Uday Samant.
The background to this decision is that the government is actively trying to revive the state's economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. The successful experiment of 24-hour businesses in areas like Bandra Kurla Complex (BKEC) and Lower Parel in Mumbai since last year was inspired. "Mumbai is the financial capital of the world. Considering the fast-paced lifestyle of the people here, it was necessary to increase the services available during the night. This decision will be of great benefit to small businessmen," Ajit Ranade, president of the Mumbai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Loksatta news site.
Opportunities and challenges in the business sector
This decision will provide great opportunities to small and large shopkeepers, hoteliers and the tourism industry in the state. Especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Nashik, the number of all-night food courts, shopping arcades and cafes will increase. The tourism department says that now Maharashtra will be more attractive to foreign tourists. "Like cities like London and New York, 24-hour tourism facilities will be available in Mumbai. This will add 5 to 7 percent to the state's GDP," said Tourism Director Sunita Patil.
However, there are some challenges to this decision. The question of safety of workers is arising. Orders have been given to arrange special police force and CCTV cameras for the safety of women at night. Also, the local administration will have to plan road management to avoid traffic jams. "It will be mandatory to provide additional salary, rest and health facilities to the workers. Otherwise, it will be a violation of the law," explained Sanjay Deshmukh, Superintendent of the Labor Department.
Impact in Nagpur and Vidarbha
As this decision was announced from Nagpur city, businessmen from Vidarbha are excited. The markets in Civil Lines and Dharampeth of Nagpur will now remain awake throughout the night. "This will benefit the hotel industry in Vidarbha. Tourists visiting tourist spots like Tiger Reserve and Ramtek Temple will get 24-hour service," said Nagpur Chamber of Commerce President Praveen Dandekar. He believes that shopping will double especially during festivals like Diwali and Christmas.
Actual examples from Mumbai
This experiment has already been successful in some areas of Mumbai. For example, Leap Frog Cafe in Colaba stays open till 2 am and is well-received by customers. Now this period can be extended. Also, street food vendors on Juhu beach will get new opportunities. "Mumbai will get crowded at night, but for that, waste management and cleanliness will have to be taken care of," said Ramesh Verma, Assistant Commissioner, Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
Future Outlook
This decision will strengthen Maharashtra as a business hub in South Asia. This step is in line with the central government's 'Ease of Doing Business' policy. According to experts, this can create 50,000 new employment opportunities in the state. However, coordination between local administration, police and businessmen is required for success.
Overall, this decision of the Maharashtra government will accelerate the development of the state. 24-hour business will boost the 'night economy' and make Maharashtra brighter. For more information, visit the website of the concerned department.
Mumbai, October 2, 2025: The Maharashtra government has allowed all shops, hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments in the state to remain open for 24 hours, creating a wave of joy in the commercial sector. Experts believe that this decision will boost the state's economy and promote tourism. However, it has been clarified that liquor shops, bar permit rooms, hookah parlours and country bars will not get this facility. This historic decision will give a new dimension to all-night markets, food streets and shopping malls in metropolitan cities like Mumbai.
According to an ordinance issued by the Maharashtra Industries, Energy and Labour Department, now all commercial establishments in the state have been allowed to operate for 24 hours with the permission of the local municipal corporation or municipal council. Earlier, 24-hour business was allowed in some specific areas in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, but now this rule will be applicable in the entire state. "This decision is a significant milestone in Maharashtra's economic development. In the era of globalization, a 24x7 model of economy is inevitable," said Industries Minister Uday Samant.
The background to this decision is that the government is actively trying to revive the state's economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. The successful experiment of 24-hour businesses in areas like Bandra Kurla Complex (BKEC) and Lower Parel in Mumbai since last year was inspired. "Mumbai is the financial capital of the world. Considering the fast-paced lifestyle of the people here, it was necessary to increase the services available during the night. This decision will be of great benefit to small businessmen," Ajit Ranade, president of the Mumbai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Loksatta news site.
Opportunities and challenges in the business sector
This decision will provide great opportunities to small and large shopkeepers, hoteliers and the tourism industry in the state. Especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Nashik, the number of all-night food courts, shopping arcades and cafes will increase. The tourism department says that now Maharashtra will be more attractive to foreign tourists. "Like cities like London and New York, 24-hour tourism facilities will be available in Mumbai. This will add 5 to 7 percent to the state's GDP," said Tourism Director Sunita Patil.
However, there are some challenges to this decision. The question of safety of workers is arising. Orders have been given to arrange special police force and CCTV cameras for the safety of women at night. Also, the local administration will have to plan road management to avoid traffic jams. "It will be mandatory to provide additional salary, rest and health facilities to the workers. Otherwise, it will be a violation of the law," explained Sanjay Deshmukh, Superintendent of the Labor Department.
Impact in Nagpur and Vidarbha
As this decision was announced from Nagpur city, businessmen from Vidarbha are excited. The markets in Civil Lines and Dharampeth of Nagpur will now remain awake throughout the night. "This will benefit the hotel industry in Vidarbha. Tourists visiting tourist spots like Tiger Reserve and Ramtek Temple will get 24-hour service," said Nagpur Chamber of Commerce President Praveen Dandekar. He believes that shopping will double especially during festivals like Diwali and Christmas.
Actual examples from Mumbai
This experiment has already been successful in some areas of Mumbai. For example, Leap Frog Cafe in Colaba stays open till 2 am and is well-received by customers. Now this period can be extended. Also, street food vendors on Juhu beach will get new opportunities. "Mumbai will get crowded at night, but for that, waste management and cleanliness will have to be taken care of," said Ramesh Verma, Assistant Commissioner, Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
Future Outlook
This decision will strengthen Maharashtra as a business hub in South Asia. This step is in line with the central government's 'Ease of Doing Business' policy. According to experts, this can create 50,000 new employment opportunities in the state. However, coordination between local administration, police and businessmen is required for success.
Overall, this decision of the Maharashtra government will accelerate the development of the state. 24-hour business will boost the 'night economy' and make Maharashtra brighter. For more information, visit the website of the concerned department.
According to an ordinance issued by the Maharashtra Industries, Energy and Labour Department, now all commercial establishments in the state have been allowed to operate for 24 hours with the permission of the local municipal corporation or municipal council. Earlier, 24-hour business was allowed in some specific areas in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, but now this rule will be applicable in the entire state. "This decision is a significant milestone in Maharashtra's economic development. In the era of globalization, a 24x7 model of economy is inevitable," said Industries Minister Uday Samant.
The background to this decision is that the government is actively trying to revive the state's economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. The successful experiment of 24-hour businesses in areas like Bandra Kurla Complex (BKEC) and Lower Parel in Mumbai since last year was inspired. "Mumbai is the financial capital of the world. Considering the fast-paced lifestyle of the people here, it was necessary to increase the services available during the night. This decision will be of great benefit to small businessmen," Ajit Ranade, president of the Mumbai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Loksatta news site.
Opportunities and challenges in the business sector
This decision will provide great opportunities to small and large shopkeepers, hoteliers and the tourism industry in the state. Especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Nashik, the number of all-night food courts, shopping arcades and cafes will increase. The tourism department says that now Maharashtra will be more attractive to foreign tourists. "Like cities like London and New York, 24-hour tourism facilities will be available in Mumbai. This will add 5 to 7 percent to the state's GDP," said Tourism Director Sunita Patil.
However, there are some challenges to this decision. The question of safety of workers is arising. Orders have been given to arrange special police force and CCTV cameras for the safety of women at night. Also, the local administration will have to plan road management to avoid traffic jams. "It will be mandatory to provide additional salary, rest and health facilities to the workers. Otherwise, it will be a violation of the law," explained Sanjay Deshmukh, Superintendent of the Labor Department.
Impact in Nagpur and Vidarbha
As this decision was announced from Nagpur city, businessmen from Vidarbha are excited. The markets in Civil Lines and Dharampeth of Nagpur will now remain awake throughout the night. "This will benefit the hotel industry in Vidarbha. Tourists visiting tourist spots like Tiger Reserve and Ramtek Temple will get 24-hour service," said Nagpur Chamber of Commerce President Praveen Dandekar. He believes that shopping will double especially during festivals like Diwali and Christmas.
Actual examples from Mumbai
This experiment has already been successful in some areas of Mumbai. For example, Leap Frog Cafe in Colaba stays open till 2 am and is well-received by customers. Now this period can be extended. Also, street food vendors on Juhu beach will get new opportunities. "Mumbai will get crowded at night, but for that, waste management and cleanliness will have to be taken care of," said Ramesh Verma, Assistant Commissioner, Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
Future Outlook
This decision will strengthen Maharashtra as a business hub in South Asia. This step is in line with the central government's 'Ease of Doing Business' policy. According to experts, this can create 50,000 new employment opportunities in the state. However, coordination between local administration, police and businessmen is required for success.
Overall, this decision of the Maharashtra government will accelerate the development of the state. 24-hour business will boost the 'night economy' and make Maharashtra brighter. For more information, visit the website of the concerned department.