DEHRADUN: Industrial growth in Uttarakhand took centre stage on Saturday as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met a delegation of the Sidcul Entrepreneur Welfare Society, Pantnagar, at the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun. The meeting focused on creating a stronger industrial ecosystem and reviewing major infrastructure projects linked to Kichha Khurpia Park, the proposed industrial smart city and the expansion of Pantnagar airport.
Our correspondent reports that the delegation thanked the Chief Minister for what they described as an improving industrial climate in the state during the silver jubilee year. Society members appreciated the state government’s policy thrust and expressed confidence that planned projects in Udham Singh Nagar would open fresh opportunities for investment and employment.
The Chief Minister said that the government had framed industry friendly policies to attract quality investment and support existing units. He stated that the aim was not only to bring new factories, but also to ensure that entrepreneurs feel secure and respected. “Uttarakhand wants to be known as a reliable and disciplined industrial destination. Our policies are designed to encourage honest enterprise and long term growth,” he said.
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of Kichha Khurpia Park and the wider Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor for the regional economy. He said that the development of the Kichha Khurpia area and the corridor link would help Udham Singh Nagar district establish new benchmarks in manufacturing and logistics. Our correspondent adds that he urged industry representatives to work as partners in strengthening supply chains and local employment.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister highlighted the proposed industrial smart city at Khurpia Farm in Kichha tehsil. The project, being developed as an integrated manufacturing cluster over about 1,002 acres under the national industrial corridor programme, carries an estimated project cost of around ₹1,265 crore and an investment potential of about ₹6,180 crore. It is expected to generate direct employment for nearly 75,000 people when fully operational.
He said that the smart city concept at Khurpia would provide world class infrastructure for industry, including internal roads, power supply, water systems and common facilities. “The industrial smart city will give a major boost to manufacturing, especially sectors such as automobiles and engineering. We want micro, small and medium enterprises to benefit from this ecosystem,” he noted. Officials have indicated that the project is being planned as a hub capable of serving both the hill and plain districts.
The Chief Minister also referred to the ongoing work on an AIIMS satellite centre at Khurpia. The facility is coming up on about 110 acres of land with an estimated cost of around ₹500 crore and will function under AIIMS Rishikesh. The project is intended to improve tertiary health services for Udham Singh Nagar and neighbouring districts and to support the growing industrial and urban population in the belt.
Turning to air connectivity, the Chief Minister reiterated that Pantnagar airport is being expanded as an international standard facility. He said that an investment of about ₹700 crore has been proposed for the project and that land measuring more than 800 acres has been identified and transferred in stages for the expansion. Earlier official briefings have indicated that over 804 acres are required for runway and terminal development, including land from different government departments.
He said that once the expansion is complete, Pantnagar would serve as a major gateway for tourism, trade and cargo in the Kumaon region and beyond. “The international level airport at Pantnagar will transform connectivity for industry and tourism. It will help exporters, support time sensitive cargo and bring new opportunities for local youth,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the state government is working to ensure a supportive environment for investors. He said that district magistrates and senior superintendents of police have been clearly instructed to assist entrepreneurs and remove unnecessary hurdles. He added that no one would be allowed to harass industrial units at any level.
Reiterating the policy line of the government, he said that Uttarakhand follows a zero tolerance approach towards corruption. “We will not permit wrongdoing in any department. Transparent governance is essential for attracting serious investors. The government is continuously reviewing law and order so that industry can operate without fear,” he stated.
The Chief Minister pointed out that a number of large industrial houses have recently expressed interest in investing in the state. He said that the government is trying to ensure that such projects are aligned with environmental norms and generate meaningful employment. He also linked industrial growth with skill development, noting that training of local youth would be strengthened in parallel.
The delegation from the Sidcul Entrepreneur Welfare Society raised several practical issues related to infrastructure, clearances and local facilities. Officials said that concerns regarding power supply, internal roads and ancillary services at industrial estates would be examined in detail. Entrepreneurs welcomed the assurance and said that a predictable policy environment is crucial for planning long term investments.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister again appealed to citizens and institutions to promote a culture of reading by presenting books instead of flower bouquets at public events. He said that this small change would encourage interest in literature and knowledge among the general public.
The Chief Minister concluded by saying that Uttarakhand’s economic and overall development would depend on partnership between government, industry and society. He expressed confidence that with collective effort, the state could emerge as a leading destination for clean industry, innovation and employment.
Darpita covers business, industry, startups, and economic developments with a focus on Uttarakhand’s emerging markets. She writes on MSME growth, taxation, government policies, and the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Known for simplifying complex financial topics, she aims to make business news accessible and relevant to local readers.
Meanwhile our VUK Business Bureau covers economic developments, policy updates, and market trends with clarity and precision. Focused on delivering in-depth analysis of finance, trade, taxation, and entrepreneurship, the bureau provides readers with reliable insights into how business and economic decisions impact everyday life in Uttarakhand and across India.
