MUMBAI, Oct. 7 -- The Maharashtra government has decided to build a new film city on the lines of Mumbai Film City at Igatpuri in Nashik district, about 150km from Mumbai. In a meeting convened by him on Monday, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar directed the state revenue department to transfer 47 hectare land at Igatpuri to set up the new film city. The move assumes significance in the context of other states like Uttar Pradesh wooing Bollywood offering shooting options and studios. "The Nashik film city will be a good option for film and serial producers since the one is Mumbai is over-burdened and scenic Igatpuri will provide good locations for shooting," said food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal who participated in the meeting. Bhujbal who has been pushing for the project since he was guardian minister of Nashik district said Igatpuri film city could be convenient for Bollywood as the travel distance from Mumbai will be less than two hours due to Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. Officials said the proposal to develop a new film city in Nashik district was under consideration since 2009. Three venues had been proposed for the same. Of them, a land parcel at Igatpuri was finalised due to its scenic location and proximity to Samruddhi Expressway which would make it easy for the people to travel from Mumbai. Pawar said the proposed film city at Nashik would also boost development in the area with demand for related industries such as hotels and transportation and other services. htc...