Haryana wants more Gurgaons, teams with IndianOil to spruce up Panipat

The Economic Times, Gurgaon
THE Haryana government is set to replicate the Gurgaon experience in other parts of the state. While work is on in full swing for creating a Global Business Corridor along the proposed 135-km Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) expressway, the state government has joined hands with IndianOil (IOC) for a Rs 40,000-crore programme targeted at boosting infrastructure in Panipat. The idea is to ensure economic development is evenly distributed across the state. Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda told ET, �The boom should not bypass any section of the state. The area has tremendous potential and we are sure we will be able to create an amicable investment climate. Special incentives and concessions would be provided to industrial units to attract investment in the hub.� On an immediate basis, Mr Hooda has plans to develop an industrial park in and around Panipat for the development of downstream industries. �The proposal has been floated in view of the availability of requisite feedstock in close proximity,� he said. IndianOil is already implementing two mega projects in Panipat at a cost of Rs 30,000 crore. The projects would use captive feedstock from its refineries. One of the projects is an integrated para-xylene/ purified terephthatic acid (PX/PTA) plant. The other is a naptha cracker as well as downstream polymer units. The petrochemical hub would be developed with all basic amenities, including roads, drains, sewerage, street lights, electricity, common effluent treatment plant, fire fighting station, commercial and housing facilities. The government also plans to set up national level institutions in Panipat. �The state government, in collaboration with the Centre, will set up a Central Institute of Plastic and Engineering Technology to undertake research and development and create skilled manpower for the development of petrochemical industry,� Mr Hooda added.