Sunil Chadha
Una: Aiming for a game-changing Rs 10,000 crore investment and a target to generate 20,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs, the Bulk Drug Park in Una district’s Haroli subdivision is poised to transform not only the economic landscape of the northern region, but also establish Himachal Pradesh as a critical player in India’s pharmaceutical self-reliance strategy.
Touted as a flagship initiative under the central government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, this mega project goes far beyond industrial development, signalling a broader, long-term social and economic transformation in the region.
Strategic shift: From Solan to Una for balanced growth
Originally proposed in Nalagarh (Solan), the Bulk Drug Park was later shifted to Haroli in Una due to its geographical advantages, water availability, land access and lower operational costs. Experts view this relocation as a move towards decentralising Himachal’s pharma sector, promoting more balanced and inclusive industrial growth across the state.
Spanning 1,405 acres, of which 1,365 acres is government land and 40 acres willingly contributed by locals, the park reflects the development-oriented mindset of the region’s citizens. The overall project cost is estimated at Rs 1,923 crore, with Rs 1,000 crore funded by the Centre and the rest by the state government.
Investment surge and job creation at scale
With an expected direct investment of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 crore, the park is projected to act as a catalyst for another Rs 5,000 crore in ancillary investments from support industries and service providers.
Once operational, it is anticipated to create 20,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs, bringing opportunities to thousands of youths, local entrepreneurs, and especially women looking to enter the workforce.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, the project is expected to boost logistics, transport, hospitality, construction and real estate, invigorating local businesses and diversifying the regional economy.
Massive upgrade in road connectivity, other infrastructure
Alongside industrial infrastructure, the Bulk Drug Park is driving massive upgrade in road connectivity, power supply, water services, healthcare and communication networks, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
To meet the skilled labour demands of the upcoming industries, technical institutes, polytechnics and training centres are in the pipeline, enabling Himachali youth to benefit from employment-oriented education tailored to the pharma sector’s requirements.
Environmental sustainability remains a core focus, with the park incorporating advanced waste management systems, solvent recovery units and water conservation measures, aligning industrial progress with ecological balance.
