The central government’s announcement of seven PM MITRA (Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) parks had initially sparked optimism in Gujarat’s textile hub, Surat. However, nearly three years after the Gujarat government allocated 1,000 acres in Vansi-Bori, Kharaskar in Navsari district in 2022, the project remains largely stalled, with progress limited to paperwork.
Despite early expectations of swift development, there has been no visible movement on infrastructure, groundwork, plot allotment or internal road construction. In contrast, states such as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have moved ahead at a significantly faster pace. The Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) completed its plot allotment process for industrialists in November, while Maharashtra’s allotment process is ongoing, backed by confirmed investments exceeding Rs. 14,000 crore (US $ 1.55 billion).
In Gujarat, the only advancement so far has been the completion of the tendering process for a 98-km water pipeline from Kankrapali to Pasi-Borit. The delay is reportedly linked to the state’s inability to decide whether the development responsibility should rest with private builders or with the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). While MPIDC and MIDC will lead development in their respective states, the model proposed for Surat involves builders taking charge — reportedly raising concerns that cheap government land could be resold to entrepreneurs at inflated prices.
Ashish Gujarati, Chairman of the Chawar Textile Task Force, said the matter had already been raised with the government twice. He noted that the park represented a significant investment opportunity capable of generating employment for more than 15,000 people. He added that an integrated textile park, housing the entire value chain in one location, would reduce transportation costs and time while boosting exports. He emphasised that it was essential for construction to begin without further delay.
