Strong energy infra to boost pharma manufacturing, attract investment
Sunil Chadha
Una: In a major push to make the upcoming Bulk Drug Park at Haroli in Una the biggest pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the country, the Himachal Pradesh government is accelerating plans to extend a natural gas pipeline from Tahliwal to the park. The move is being seen as critical for ensuring sustainable and cost-effective energy supply to the industries that will set up operations there.
The proposal has received positive traction at the national level, with NITI Aayog expressing agreement and support for the project. NITI Aayog has acknowledged the long-term benefits of uninterrupted natural gas supply for the success of this high-potential pharmaceutical hub.
Gas supply key to park’s industrial viability
Currently, natural gas is already being supplied via pipeline up to Tahliwal. Extending this network to the Bulk Drug Park is crucial, given the high energy demands of pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing units. The state government believes that natural gas availability will significantly reduce operational costs and enhance environmental sustainability compared to conventional fuels.
To this end, Himachal Pradesh has formally communicated its proposal to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasising the need for infrastructure support. The state is seeking the Centre’s approval and financial backing to lay the pipeline over the remaining stretch to the park.
NITI Aayog endorses project utility
The project was recently presented during a high-level meeting with NITI Aayog officials, where state representatives outlined its strategic industrial importance. NITI Aayog has not only supported the proposal but has also assured advocacy for it at the central government level.
The think-tank is expected to recommend that the Petroleum Ministry treat the pipeline extension as a priority under national industrial infrastructure development schemes. The state government considers this a strategic step toward fast-tracking industrialisation in Himachal Pradesh.
Energy access to determine investment scale
Being developed under a central government scheme, the Bulk Drug Park in Haroli is envisioned to house state-of-the-art facilities for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and specialty chemicals. Energy security is being recognised as a key factor in attracting high-volume investments and ensuring smooth industrial operations.
Officials assert that once the pipeline project is approved, it will unlock a new wave of industrial investment, regional growth and employment opportunities. The park is already on track to become a game-changer in India’s pharmaceutical sector and robust energy infrastructure will only solidify its status as a premier manufacturing destination.
The gas pipeline plan is not just about energy but a strategic leap in Himachal Pradesh’s vision to emerge as a competitive player in India’s pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing landscape. With central support and continued policy advocacy, the Una Bulk Drug Park could soon be the flagship industrial zone powering India’s pharmaceutical self-reliance mission.
