Maharashtra Proposes 2,500 to 5,000-Acre Chemical Park
The Maharashtra government aims to establish a significant chemical industry park near Vadhvan Port, pending central approval.
Maharashtra plans to allocate 2,500 to 5,000 acres for a new chemical park.
Chief Minister Fadnavis announced the initiative at India Chem 2026.
The project aims to enhance job creation in the chemical sector, currently employing around 300,000.
The Maharashtra government has unveiled plans to develop a substantial chemical industry park near Vadhvan Port, with an allocation of between 2,500 and 5,000 acres for the venture. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made this announcement during the inauguration of India Chem 2026 held in Goregaon, emphasizing the need for the Centre's approval to move forward with this ambitious industrial hub.
Fadnavis highlighted that the state is also formulating a dedicated policy aimed at attracting investments in the chemical sector, which is anticipated to be revealed in the first week of November. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to streamline industrial approvals and enhance access to government services through platforms like Maitri and Invest Maharashtra.
Currently, the chemical industry in Maharashtra supports approximately 300,000 jobs, with the potential to double this figure through the proposed park. The initiative aligns with the Centre's Grand Chemical Park scheme, which has allocated Rs 1,000 crore in the Union Budget, with participating states contributing an additional Rs 500 crore. Union Minister J P Nadda noted that projects must encompass at least 2,000 acres, and the Centre will assist in obtaining necessary environmental clearances.
The proposed site near Vadhvan Port is strategically positioned to facilitate connections between port infrastructure and chemical manufacturing. However, the project is contingent upon receiving approval from the Centre and meeting environmental regulations, as Dahanu taluka, where the port is located, was previously classified as an ecologically sensitive area under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
Looking ahead, the Maharashtra government is keen on expediting the approval process and ensuring that the new policy fosters a conducive environment for investment in the chemical sector. The upcoming announcement in November is expected to outline specific incentives and frameworks to attract both domestic and international players to the region.
