Uttar Pradesh is poised to establish North India’s first bulk drug and formulation hub, with the much-anticipated Pharma Park in Lalitpur slated for completion by 2027. This ambitious project, already under construction across 350 acres in its initial phase, is projected to catalyse investments exceeding ₹12,000 crore.
It signifies a strategic move to bolster the state’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and foster sustainable industrial growth in the Bundelkhand region. Spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), the Lalitpur Bulk Drug Pharma Park is a cornerstone of the state government’s vision to achieve self-reliance in bulk drug and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production. This initiative extends beyond mere industrial expansion; it aims to transform Bundelkhand, a historically underserved region, into a vibrant industrial powerhouse. Spanning a total of 1,472 acres, the park is being developed in carefully planned phases, with the initial 353-acre segment currently witnessing full-swing construction. Crucially, environmental clearances have been secured, and the process of land allotment to prospective industries has already commenced, signalling a swift progression towards operationalisation.
The project has swiftly garnered significant investor confidence, attracting prominent pharmaceutical companies. UPSIDA regional manager Sandeep Kumar confirmed that four pharmaceutical companies have submitted applications to establish units within the park. Notably, IJ Pharma and Badariya Pharma have already been allotted plots, while Riddhi Siddhi Pharma and JBJM Pharmaceuticals are in the final stages of their allotment processes. This early traction underscores the market’s positive reception to Uttar Pradesh’s strategic push in the pharmaceutical sector. To further amplify this interest, UPSIDA CEO Mayur Maheshwari has indicated plans for additional investment roadshows in key cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad, building on the success of a recent outreach in Ahmedabad.
The Lalitpur Pharma Park is being meticulously designed as a “state-of-the-art plug-and-play facility,” tailored to meet rigorous global standards. A core tenet of its design is environmental stewardship, with all utilities—including electricity, water, and waste management—being engineered for 24/7 industrial support. A standout feature is the commitment to Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), ensuring that no untreated wastewater leaves the premises. This proactive environmental measure is critical for creating an eco-friendly industrial ecosystem, aligning with the broader vision of zero net carbon cities by minimising pollution and promoting sustainable resource management. The park’s underground utility network will further enhance efficiency, incorporating steam and solvent recovery systems, climate-controlled warehouses, and dedicated logistics corridors.
Beyond environmental considerations, the park integrates robust safety and support infrastructure. Plans include comprehensive CCTV surveillance, secure boundary fencing, and dedicated emergency service centres to ensure a safe working environment. Crucially, in-house skilling centres are being developed to provide local manpower with the necessary training, fostering a skilled workforce and creating equitable employment opportunities for the region’s population. The provision of affordable housing for workers and executives within the premises further underscores a commitment to building sustainable and inclusive communities around the industrial hub, promoting gender neutrality and social equity.
To attract a diverse range of investors, UPSIDA has unveiled a special industrial land allotment scheme for the pharma park. Plots are competitively priced at ₹1,914 per square metre, with an additional 2 per cent discount offered for one-time payments. UPSIDA officials assert that these rates are highly competitive when compared to other established pharmaceutical hubs across India, making Lalitpur an attractive proposition for small and mid-sized pharmaceutical players. This strategic pricing, combined with streamlined regulatory clearances and advanced infrastructure, positions Uttar Pradesh as a compelling alternative to traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing centres like Gujarat or Hyderabad, aiming to fill the gap left by the cessation of tax benefits in other regions.
Early investments already flowing into the Lalitpur Pharma Park signal strong industry confidence. CSL Life Sciences Pvt Ltd has committed ₹200 crore to establish two manufacturing units—an IV Bottle Plant and an Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) Plant—across 5 to 7 acres, projected to create over 250 jobs within two years. Mediheath Diagnostic Pvt Ltd is setting up a healthcare and diagnostic unit, while Gaman Irradiation plans a ₹35 crore investment in a skin treatment and irradiation facility, expected to generate around 150 jobs. Obmed Pharma has also committed ₹200 crore for a formulation unit, anticipating approximately 100 new jobs. These initial commitments are expected to accelerate momentum as the park gains national visibility.
The Lalitpur Pharma Park benefits from excellent multi-modal connectivity, linked by MDR 35B and in proximity to NH-44 and NH-539. Rail connectivity is facilitated via Tikamgarh and Lalitpur Junction, while air access is available through Khajuraho (125 km) and Lucknow (385 km) airports. Its strategic location, including proximity to the Jhansi node of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, adds further value, aligning with the state’s broader ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy. Developed in collaboration with leading national institutions like IIT, DRDO, and private consultancy firm Assystem India Limited, the park is not merely matching global standards but aiming to surpass them, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a frontrunner in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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