Pharmaceutical companies in Haryana are stuck in a prolonged waiting game as the proposed Karnal Pharma Park, a project announced with much fanfare, continues to face significant delays. The park, envisioned as a major hub for drug manufacturing, has yet to see physical development, leaving manufacturers in a state of uncertainty.
Project Announcement and Initial Enthusiasm
The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) first announced the establishment of the Karnal Pharma Park in 2021. The ambitious project was planned on approximately 350 acres of land in the sector 5 of the Karnal sector. The primary goal was to create a dedicated, state-of-the-art cluster for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, aiming to boost local production and increase exports from the region.
The announcement generated considerable interest from the industry, with around 150 applications received from drug makers eager to set up their units within the specialized park. This overwhelming response highlighted the sector's need for organized infrastructure and the potential seen in the Karnal location.
Persistent Delays and Industry Frustration
Despite the initial promise, the project has been marred by repeated postponements. The most recent timeline provided by HSIIDC officials suggested that the process for land allotment would commence in April or May of 2024. However, as of now, this crucial step has not materialized.
The core issue lies in the acquisition and development of the land. While the site has been identified, the necessary infrastructural work—such as laying roads, providing water connections, and ensuring power supply—has not begun. This has prevented the allotment process from moving forward, creating a cycle of delays that is frustrating for investors who have had their plans on hold for nearly three years.
Industry representatives have voiced their concerns, emphasizing that such delays are detrimental to growth and investment. They argue that a dedicated pharma park offers critical advantages, including common effluent treatment plants, testing facilities, and streamlined regulatory approvals, which are essential for modern, compliant drug manufacturing.
Government's Stance and Future Roadmap
HSIIDC authorities maintain that the project is a priority. They cite the complexity of land acquisition and the scale of planned infrastructure as reasons for the hold-up. Officials have reiterated their commitment to developing the park and have assured that the allotment process will begin once the basic site development is completed.
The successful implementation of the Karnal Pharma Park is seen as a strategic move for Haryana's industrial policy. It aims to consolidate the state's position in the pharmaceutical sector, attract further investment, and generate substantial employment. The park is also expected to foster innovation and help companies comply with increasingly stringent national and international quality standards.
Broader Implications for Pharma Sector
The continued delay of the Karnal Pharma Park reflects a broader challenge in executing large-scale industrial infrastructure projects in India. For the pharmaceutical industry, which is a key contributor to India's exports and domestic healthcare security, such clusters are vital for scaling up production and maintaining competitiveness.
The wait for the park means that companies are either deferring expansion plans or looking at alternative locations, which could result in missed economic opportunities for the Karnal region and Haryana as a whole. The industry's plea is for expedited action, as timely completion of such projects is crucial to capitalize on the growing global demand for Indian pharmaceuticals and medical products.
All eyes are now on the HSIIDC and the state government to break the deadlock and translate the blueprint of the Karnal Pharma Park into a tangible reality on the ground, fulfilling a promise made to a critical industry.
