Delhi has identified 1,148 acres in Kanjhawala, Ranikheda and Baprola for three proposed industrial hubs, as the city government moves to expand low-pollution industrial activity and create more local employment opportunities in western and outer Delhi.
The proposal is being considered as part of a new industrial policy that is being finalised by the Delhi government. The government has begun seeking suggestions from people associated with the industry and construction sectors before completing the policy. A meeting with industry representatives was also proposed for Saturday.
The largest proposed industrial area is in Kanjhawala, where around 920 acres have been identified. Ranikheda accounts for approximately 147 acres, while 81 acres have been marked in Baprola. Together, the three areas are expected to provide locations for organised industrial development and associated business activity.
According to the report, the government intends to promote industries that generate less pollution and create employment at the local level. The proposed hubs could also support allied businesses around new industrial units, although the report does not specify the number of units planned, the investment expected or the employment target.
Kanjhawala’s proposed industrial area is the largest of the three. The location has been discussed for planned industrial development for several years. If the proposal advances, infrastructure for industries could be developed across the identified land. The report does not provide details of the infrastructure package, implementation agency, project cost or construction timeline.
Ranikheda’s 147-acre site is intended to provide an organised location for industrial activity and expand employment opportunities. The area could also support ancillary businesses linked to new industrial units, according to the report. In Baprola, 81 acres have been identified for industrial development. The area is already associated with industrial activity in outer Delhi, and the proposed plan is expected to focus on cleaner and technology-based industries.
The three-site plan is not new. Discussions about developing Kanjhawala, Ranikheda and Baprola for industrial use have continued for years. Earlier proposals had also referred to the development of an electronic city in the area. However, issues related to land, planning and supporting infrastructure prevented the earlier plan from moving forward at the expected pace.
The current policy exercise is intended to give the proposal fresh momentum. The identified land parcels would need to be integrated with planning, industrial infrastructure and other supporting facilities before development can begin. The report does not state whether land acquisition, zoning changes, detailed project reports or formal approvals have been completed.
The next immediate step is consultation with industry and construction-sector stakeholders before the Delhi government finalises its new industrial policy. Further details on approvals, infrastructure provision, project phasing and implementation are expected to emerge as the policy process advances.
