Delhi New Industrial Policy Aims for Land Use Optimization and Infrastructure Upgrade
Delhi’s government has unveiled a draft of its new Industrial Policy for the next 10 years, putting it in the public domain to gather feedback from stakeholders until July 30. This policy is designed to address the significant deterioration of physical infrastructure in Delhi’s industrial areas, many of which were developed in the 1970s. The core of the policy is to transform Delhi into a global business hub by promoting high-value, non-polluting sectors, leveraging the city’s skilled workforce, and making optimal use of its limited land and environmental resources.
The draft policy proposes several key measures for the redevelopment of existing industrial areas. These include improved land use, consolidation of land parcels to increase floor space availability, and significant infrastructure upgrades. A drone survey is also planned to accurately identify land for the potential relocation of industries, facilitating better urban planning and land synergy. The policy aims to tackle existing regulatory inefficiencies, such as lengthy registration processes and bureaucratic delays, by proposing single-window business registration portals with blockchain verification for automated approvals and real-time tracking, drawing inspiration from global best practices.
Furthermore, the policy seeks to foster a future-ready, non-polluting industrial ecosystem by focusing on frontier tech services like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), gaming, animation, and biotechnology. The Research and Development (R&D) and hospitality sectors are also designated as priority areas, with plans to boost investment and employment. To attract businesses, the government proposes financial incentives, including a ₹400-crore venture capital fund, reimbursement of up to 50% fixed capital investment (up to ₹50 crore per project), a 6% interest subsidy for five years, and 100% reimbursement of state GST for the same period.
The draft also suggests expanding engagement with academic and research institutions in the R&D sector, providing financial support, and creating a dedicated portal to showcase existing R&D infrastructure. For the hospitality sector, interventions include increasing hotel rooms near major venues like ITPO at Pragati Maidan and Yashobhoomi, allowing hotels and serviced apartments in commercial centers within industrial zones, and streamlining regulatory compliance for restaurants. The policy aims to develop plug-and-play IT parks through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and establish new tech service centers in earmarked industrial areas like Baprola, Ranikhera, and Kanjhawala.
This comprehensive policy aims to make Delhi a highly efficient and business-friendly hub, attracting investments and accelerating economic growth. The focus on modernizing infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and promoting high-tech, non-polluting industries is expected to give a new lease of life to industrial development in the city.
