The Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹29 crore for vital infrastructure upgrades at the Manapparai Sipcot industrial park. This investment will fund the construction of new roads, improved drainage systems, and a robust water supply network. The move is aimed at supporting the growing industrial base in the region, particularly in the non-leather footwear sector, while also creating significant employment opportunities.
The industrial expansion is seen as a response to rising interest in the Manapparai Sipcot area, especially after global electronics manufacturer Jabil, a supplier to Apple, announced a major investment. This has led to a surge in demand for industrial land, particularly as Jabil joins other engineering and chemical companies exploring the area. Phase II of infrastructure development in Manapparai will include upgrading the remaining 1,096 acres of land, with a focus on enhancing connectivity and utilities. A key component of this expansion is the development of a 100-acre industrial park in Padalur, strategically located along the Chennai-Trichy highway. This new facility will serve as an extension to the existing footwear hub at Eraiyur Sipcot in Perambalur, targeting the rapidly expanding non-leather footwear manufacturing sector. The Padalur park is expected to generate a substantial number of jobs, particularly for rural women, providing a much-needed economic boost to the local community.
In line with these developments, the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board has sanctioned ₹49 crore to secure a permanent water supply of 7 MLD (million litres per day) from the Cauvery River, with a temporary supply of 2.5 MLD from the Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL) in the interim. From a sustainability perspective, this investment represents a significant step towards creating long-term, eco-friendly industrial infrastructure. The new facilities will reduce the carbon footprint of local industries by improving resource efficiency and facilitating green manufacturing practices. It also ensures that rural communities benefit from industrial growth, with job creation aimed at empowering women and improving livelihoods.
For the residents of Trichy, this expansion brings the promise of a more prosperous future, but also highlights the challenges of balancing rapid industrialisation with sustainable development. With continued investments in infrastructure, the region could soon become a key hub for non-leather footwear manufacturing, contributing to both local and national economies.
