Arun Hanumandas Lakhani is a prominent Indian industrialist, infrastructure expert, and political figure from Nagpur, Maharashtra. He serves as Chairman and Managing Director of the Vishvaraj Group, with key contributions to water supply, wastewater treatment, and road infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships (PPP). A long-time associate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has held roles such as co-treasurer of the Maharashtra BJP unit and recently received nomination as a candidate for the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections.

Beyond business and politics, Lakhani has made significant contributions to social causes, education in tribal areas, and sports administration, particularly in badminton. His work on Nagpur’s 24×7 water supply project has earned national recognition, including acknowledgment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a best practice model. Lakhani’s life reflects a blend of entrepreneurial innovation, community service, and public leadership, making him a notable figure in Vidarbha and Maharashtra.

Arun Lakhani Early Life and Background

Arun Hanumandas Lakhani was born in Malkapur in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. His family had roots in business, running an LPG agency and a cotton ginning and pressing operation in the region. The family later moved to Nagpur for business opportunities.

Lakhani grew up in a family with strong values and an entrepreneurial spirit. His father held an M.Tech degree and maintained close ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This background influenced Lakhani’s later involvement in social and organizational work. From a young age, he showed interest in technology and business rather than traditional employment. Even as a student, he explored projects like the reuse of black oil.

After completing his early education, Lakhani pursued higher studies in engineering. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, including an M.Tech in Petrochemical Engineering, from institutions associated with Nagpur University (with mentions of studies at LIT). His early ventures included a computerized horoscope service called Bhrigu Vision in 1984, which he started with a small investment from his family. This marked his first foray into using technology for business.

These experiences shaped his practical approach to problem-solving and innovation, which later defined his career in infrastructure and sustainability.

Arun Lakhani Education

Lakhani completed his higher education in Maharashtra, focusing on technical fields. He obtained his degrees in engineering from Nagpur University, specializing in petrochemical engineering at the postgraduate level. His academic training provided a strong foundation in technical processes, which he applied to industrial projects involving energy, water, and infrastructure.

Beyond formal education, Lakhani gained hands-on knowledge through early business experiments, such as developing software for oil companies and conducting energy and water audits. This blend of academic learning and practical application equipped him for leadership in complex PPP projects.

Arun Lakhani Career

Lakhani’s career began with small-scale entrepreneurial efforts in the 1980s. After his initial venture with computerized horoscopes, he moved into software development for databases in the oil sector and energy audits for power and cement companies. He also entered the LPG bottling business, introducing efficiency improvements that influenced industry practices.

In the 1990s, he acquired and transformed Vishvaraj Infrastructure Ltd. (Vishvaraj Group). The company initially focused on roads and highways under PPP models. It later expanded into water and wastewater management. Key milestones include the Nagpur 24×7 water supply project, one of India’s pioneering large-scale PPP efforts to provide round-the-clock municipal water to a city of 2.7 million people, implemented in partnership with Veolia Water.

Another major achievement is the sewage treatment and reuse project, processing 200 million litres per day (MLD), with treated water supplied to power plants like MAHAGENCO. This initiative has helped conserve freshwater resources and set precedents for similar projects, including those aimed at cleaning the Ganga. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a top private water operator globally, with operations across multiple Indian states.

Lakhani has also been involved in other sectors, such as malls and media through associated companies. His approach emphasizes the “4P” model—People, Public, Private, and Partnership—highlighting community involvement in sustainable projects.

Arun Lakhani Political Journey

Lakhani has long been associated with the BJP and RSS ecosystem. He joined the party organization around 1999 and rose to become co-treasurer of the Maharashtra BJP unit. His close ties with leaders like Nitin Gadkari and Devendra Fadnavis have strengthened his role. In June 2026, the BJP nominated him for the MLC elections from the Wardha-Chandrapur-Gadchiroli constituency, citing his infrastructure expertise and social work.

He has emphasized that politics and personal relationships remain separate, even amid family connections across party lines. His extensive travel in Vidarbha through social initiatives has helped build grassroots connections.

Arun Lakhani Contributions to Infrastructure and Water Management

Lakhani’s most impactful work lies in addressing India’s water challenges. The Nagpur 24×7 project significantly reduced water collection time for women and improved supply reliability. His sewage reuse projects promote sustainability by substituting treated water for industrial use, freeing up freshwater for drinking.

These efforts have received awards, including recognition from ASSOCHAM for the best PPP model in water management and acknowledgment as a best water practice by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vishvaraj Group has expanded to multiple states, bidding on major projects in cities like Mumbai.

Arun Lakhani Social and Educational Initiatives

Lakhani heads the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, which operates hundreds of single-teacher schools in tribal areas of Vidarbha, providing education to underserved communities. He has also been involved with the Runadhar Trust for skilling families affected by farmer distress and the SEA Foundation for sustainability.

His social work extends to membership in bodies like the Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation and active participation in industry associations such as CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM.

Arun Lakhani Achievements in Sports Administration

Lakhani has served as President of the Maharashtra Badminton Association and holds positions like Treasurer and Vice-President in the Badminton Association of India. His son Sarang is a national-level badminton player, reflecting family involvement in the sport. Lakhani has also been appointed to roles in the Maharashtra Olympic Association.

Arun Lakhani Personal Life

Lakhani is married to Vandana Lakhani, who has been a key partner in managing day-to-day operations of the family businesses. She has played an active role in family and social initiatives while supporting their sons’ pursuits.

The couple has two sons: Sidhartha, who excelled academically, and Sarang, a businessman and accomplished badminton player. In 2026, Sarang’s engagement and upcoming marriage to Revati Sule, daughter of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and granddaughter of Sharad Pawar, drew significant attention due to the cross-party family alliance. Lakhani and his family invited Prime Minister Modi to the wedding.

The family maintains deep roots in Nagpur while staying connected to their origins in Malkapur.

Arun Lakhani Philanthropy and Leadership Philosophy

Lakhani views water as a precious resource requiring respect and sustainable management. He advocates for people-centric models in infrastructure and has invested time in education, skilling, and environmental projects. His leadership style combines long-term vision with practical execution, often learned through partnerships and diverse interactions.

Conclusion

Arun Hanumandas Lakhani’s journey from early entrepreneurial experiments to leading major infrastructure projects and contributing to public life exemplifies dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community service. His work continues to influence water management policies and social development in Maharashtra and beyond.

FAQs

What is Arun Lakhani’s full name and background?

Arun Hanumandas Lakhani is a Nagpur-based industrialist with roots in Malkapur, Buldhana district.

What are Arun Lakhani’s major business achievements?

He pioneered Nagpur’s 24×7 water supply PPP project and large-scale sewage treatment and reuse initiatives.

What political position does Arun Lakhani hold?

He serves as co-treasurer of the Maharashtra BJP and was nominated for MLC elections in 2026.

How is Arun Lakhani connected to sports?

He has led badminton associations at state and national levels.

What is known about Arun Lakhani’s family?

He is married to Vandana, with sons Sidhartha and Sarang. The family has ties to the Pawar family through Sarang’s marriage.