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The Bihar government is gearing up to establish special industrial zones across the state, riding high on the success of the Bihar Business Connect 2024 summit, where investment proposals worth Rs 1.81 lakh crore were received. According to Industries Secretary Bandana Preyashi, these zones will be strategically developed under the state’s upcoming industrial policy, which is currently in its final stages of preparation.
Speaking to PTI, Preyashi said the new industrial zones will be tailored to suit the strengths and resources of each district. “The government, under the state’s new industrial policy, will set up special industrial zones, keeping the potential of an area in mind, in almost all districts of the state,” she said. These zones will focus on the specific agricultural produce of the region, existing handicraft industries, and the availability of labour.
Highlighting the targeted approach, she noted that zones for toy and plastic product manufacturing are planned in Begusarai and West Champaran, while Hajipur in Vaishali district is being considered for a dedicated pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
“The special industrial zones will be more comprehensive and product-specific. We want to leverage local strengths to attract and sustain investment,” Preyashi said.
The announcement follows the positive investor response at the Bihar Business Connect 2024 summit held in December. The event witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 423 companies, covering a wide range of sectors.
“Bihar, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish kumaris set to play a very important role as a growth engine of the country,” said Preyashi. “The government is committed to ensuring conversion of MoUs into actual investments on the ground within a year.”
To facilitate this, the state has appointed one nodal officer for every five to ten MoUs. These officers are providing investors with round-the-clock support, including help with land acquisition and regulatory clearances. The progress of each proposal is being monitored regularly.
Major investment commitments include Rs 36,700 crore by Sun Petrochemicals for renewable energy projects and Rs 28,000 crore by the Adani Group for a thermal power plant, expansion in cement manufacturing, food processing, and logistics.
The renewable energy sector attracted the highest number of investment proposals, totalling Rs 90,734 crore. General manufacturing received 57 proposals worth Rs 55,888 crore, while 70 proposals in the food processing sector accounted for Rs 13,663 crore. Additionally, 142 MoUs were signed in the urban infrastructure space with a proposed investment of Rs 5,566 crore.
The government expects the upcoming industrial policy to pave the way for structured and region-specific growth, transforming Bihar into a hub of industrial activity.
