NEW DELHI, June 9: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA) would play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem by attracting large-scale investments, generating employment opportunities and developing modern industrial infrastructure across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme’s online application portal, Goyal said the ambitious initiative is designed to establish 100 world class industrial parks under a plug-and-play model, creating a robust platform for industrial expansion and economic growth.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in March, the Rs 33,660-crore programme seeks to accelerate industrial development by providing ready-to-use infrastructure and improving the ease of doing business for domestic and global investors.
The minister said the government’s financial commitment towards the project is expected to act as a catalyst for significantly larger private investments while creating substantial employment opportunities across multiple sectors. He added that the initiative would also facilitate the development of social infrastructure within industrial zones, making them attractive destinations for businesses and workers alike.
Under the scheme, states have been invited to submit proposals through a competitive selection process. Applications will be assessed on factors such as industrial strengths, land availability, investor interest and sector-specific potential. The approach is intended to ensure that industrial parks are developed in locations best suited to their respective industries.
Goyal emphasized that the Centre would work in close coordination with industry stakeholders to determine the infrastructure and sectoral requirements of each project. The parks may cater to a diverse range of industries, including advanced manufacturing, chemicals, electronics, logistics and data centres, depending on regional advantages and market demand.
According to the framework, participating states will provide land for the proposed industrial parks, while infrastructure development support will be facilitated through the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). The projects will be implemented through a partnership model that combines central and state participation to ensure efficient execution.
The minister noted that the objective is not merely to create industrial clusters but to develop integrated economic zones equipped with modern facilities that enable businesses to commence operations quickly and efficiently.
As part of the broader vision, the government is also considering dedicated spaces within these parks for startups, deep-technology ventures, innovation-driven enterprises and research and development activities. Such provisions are expected to encourage technological advancement and support emerging sectors of the economy.
Goyal further highlighted plans to establish advanced testing and certification facilities within the industrial zones in collaboration with institutions such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Export Inspection Agency and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). These facilities would help businesses access essential testing infrastructure without having to rely on distant centres.
The government is additionally exploring the possibility of developing international industrial enclaves in partnership with countries including Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Switzerland. These dedicated zones could provide a familiar business environment for foreign investors and professionals, thereby encouraging greater overseas participation in India’s industrial growth story.
The rollout of the scheme will take place in phases. Applications submitted through the portal between June 1 and July 31 will be considered for the first batch of 20 industrial parks. An additional 30 parks will be selected from proposals received up to September 30, while future phases will be implemented based on lessons learned from the initial rounds.
Officials believe the phased approach will allow authorities to refine the model and ensure effective implementation as the programme expands nationwide.
The BHAVYA initiative is being viewed as a key component of India’s efforts to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, attract global supply chains and strengthen its position as a major industrial destination. By combining infrastructure development, policy support and collaboration between the Centre and states, the scheme aims to create a new generation of industrial hubs capable of driving long-term economic growth.