Himachal CM Sukhu urges Centre to fast-track ₹234 crore industrial parks
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu has asked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to fast-track Centre approval for two industrial parks — a 75-acre site in Una and a 150-acre facility in Nalagarh — worth a combined ₹234.39 crore under BHAVYA. He also pushed for extending the Baddi-Nalagarh railway line, framing better connectivity as the missing link in the state's industrial ambitions.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Sukhu attended the third NICDIT Apex Monitoring Authority meeting virtually on Monday , chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman .
Two industrial park proposals submitted under BHAVYA Phase 1 : a 75-acre park at Beetan, Una (₹80 crore) and a 150-acre park at Majholi, Nalagarh, Solan (₹154.39 crore).
Combined project outlay stands at ₹234.39 crore ; both parks will offer plug-and-play infrastructure.
Sukhu urged early Centre approval so implementation can begin immediately.
The CM also sought extension of the Baddi-Nalagarh railway line to cut logistics costs and boost manufacturing competitiveness.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Monday urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to expedite approval for two industrial park proposals worth a combined ₹234.39 crore, submitted under the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA). Sukhu participated virtually in the third meeting of the Apex Monitoring Authority of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT), held in New Delhi.
The Two Proposed Industrial Parks
Under the first phase of BHAVYA, the Himachal Pradesh government has submitted two investment-ready industrial park proposals to NICDIT. The first is a 75-acre park at Beetan village in Una district, estimated at ₹80 crore. The second is a larger 150-acre facility in the Majholi industrial area at Nalagarh in Solan district, pegged at ₹154.39 crore. Both parks are designed to offer modern plug-and-play infrastructure to attract large-scale private investment.
What the Chief Minister Said
Chief Minister Sukhu described the projects as critical for industrial development, employment generation, and regional economic growth in the state. He urged Sitharaman to accord early approval so that ground-level implementation could begin at the earliest. Sukhu also reiterated the state government's commitment to building a robust industrial ecosystem through modern infrastructure and investor-friendly policies.
Push for Better Rail and Logistics Connectivity
Beyond the industrial parks, Sukhu pressed the Centre on logistics infrastructure, arguing that improved connectivity is essential to making Himachal Pradesh competitive as a manufacturing destination. He specifically sought an extension of the Baddi-Nalagarh railway line, contending that better rail links would reduce logistics costs, improve market access for industries, and draw greater private investment into the hill state.
The Broader National Industrial Corridor Programme
The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme aims to build a network of industrial corridors across India, functioning as engines of economic growth through world-class infrastructure and sustainable industrial development. Himachal Pradesh's push to get its proposals cleared is part of a wider competition among states to secure early-mover advantage under the programme's phased rollout. Notably, this is the third meeting of the Apex Monitoring Authority, signalling that the programme's oversight machinery is now in active operation.
Early approval and swift implementation of the two parks could mark a significant step in Himachal Pradesh's effort to diversify its economy beyond tourism and horticulture.
Point of View
And states that get proposals cleared early will have a structural advantage in the corridor rollout. But the real constraint for Himachal is geography, not policy: without the Baddi-Nalagarh rail extension, even world-class plug-and-play parks risk being undercut by logistics costs that plains-based competitors simply do not face. The Centre's speed of approval will matter less than whether the railway line commitment materialises alongside it. Sukhu's decision to link the two asks in the same meeting is strategically sound — but whether New Delhi treats them as a package or in isolation will determine the actual economic impact.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two industrial parks proposed by Himachal Pradesh under BHAVYA?
The two parks are a 75-acre facility at Beetan village in Una district, costing ₹80 crore, and a 150-acre facility in the Majholi industrial area at Nalagarh in Solan district, costing ₹154.39 crore. Both are designed with plug-and-play infrastructure and submitted to NICDIT under the first phase of the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA).
What is the NICDIT Apex Monitoring Authority meeting?
The Apex Monitoring Authority of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) oversees India's National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, which aims to build industrial corridors as engines of economic growth. The third meeting of this body was held in New Delhi and chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Why is CM Sukhu seeking an extension of the Baddi-Nalagarh railway line?
Sukhu argues that improved rail connectivity will reduce logistics costs for industries in Himachal Pradesh, give manufacturers better market access, and make the state more competitive — ultimately encouraging greater private investment alongside the proposed industrial parks.
What is the total cost of the two proposed industrial parks?
The combined outlay for both projects is ₹234.39 crore — ₹80 crore for the Una park and ₹154.39 crore for the Nalagarh park.
What is the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA)?
BHAVYA is a Central scheme under which states can submit proposals for developing investment-ready industrial parks with modern infrastructure. Himachal Pradesh has submitted two proposals under its first phase, seeking NICDIT approval to begin implementation.
