Indore's Ahilya Garment City Project Launches with Major Land Acquisition
In a significant development for industrial growth in Madhya Pradesh, two prominent textile units have secured a total of 24.5 hectares of land in the Barlai Jagir industrial area near Indore. This acquisition marks the crucial first step toward establishing the proposed Ahilya Garment City, a comprehensive textile and logistics hub that is projected to attract investments of approximately Rs 2,500 crore and generate employment for nearly 30,000 individuals.
Project Infrastructure and Strategic Vision
The ambitious project is planned to span about 33 hectares, with an estimated infrastructure cost of Rs 44 crore. This follows the transfer of land from the cooperative department to the industries department, specifically designated for industrial utilization. Officials confirmed that major companies, including Noise Jeans Limited and another textile firm, have taken up the land to establish their manufacturing units at the site.
The envisioned garment industrial area will be a self-contained ecosystem, featuring:
- State-of-the-art factories and production facilities
- Dedicated housing for workers and staff
- Essential civic amenities including a police station, hospital, and fire station
- Comprehensive parking facilities and a plantation park
- A CM Rise School for educational needs
- Advanced drainage systems and a sewage treatment plant
- A sump well for water management
- A modern sports complex for recreation
Timeline and Strategic Importance
Authorities have been instructed to complete all infrastructure preparations within a strict timeline, with a focus on employment generation ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Mahaparva in 2028. Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat emphasized this urgency during a review meeting on Saturday, stating, "All infrastructure and development works must be completed within the stipulated timeline so that employment opportunities can be created for local residents ahead of Simhastha 2028." The meeting included officials from the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) and the district administration.
Strategically located on the bypass, approximately 25 kilometers from Indore, the Barlai Jagir site offers exceptional connectivity to key economic corridors. It provides direct links to Mumbai, Agra, Delhi, and Bhopal, as well as access to Rajasthan via the Ujjain-Jawar route. This strategic positioning significantly enhances its appeal as a logistics-enabled textile destination, facilitating efficient supply chain operations.
Historical Context and Repurposing Initiative
The Barlai industrial area has a notable history; the land was originally allotted to a sugar mill in 1976. Operations ceased in 2002, and the allotment was formally cancelled in 2013. Himanshu Prajapati, MPIDC Indore region executive director, explained, "The closed mill premises and adjoining vacant land totalling roughly 33 hectare are now repurposed to develop a textile-focused industrial zone aimed at boosting manufacturing, logistics and regional employment."
This transformation from a defunct industrial site to a vibrant textile hub underscores the state's commitment to revitalizing underutilized assets and driving economic growth through targeted industrial development.
