State-of-the-art pharma hub to drive innovation, skill development
Sunil Chadha
Una: Himachal Pradesh’s Haroli region is set to become the epicentre of a new era in India’s pharmaceutical sector. As part of a flagship Central Government initiative, the Haroli Bulk Drug Park is not only poised to revolutionise pharmaceutical manufacturing but will also emerge as a hub for scientific training, research and employment for youth from across the country.
At the heart of this transformation is a proposed Centre of Excellence, envisioned as a cutting-edge training and research facility that will nurture the scientists, technicians and innovators of the future.
Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat through API manufacturing
The Haroli Bulk Drug Park will focus on large-scale production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), reducing India’s dependency on imports, particularly from China. The park is being developed as a state-of-the-art facility, featuring world-class infrastructure to support efficient, sustainable and high-output pharmaceutical operations.
The park will include common effluent treatment plant (CETP), central utility plant (CUP), solvent recovery units; 24×7 power, water and gas pipeline access; and research and innovation zones.
This infrastructure is designed to attract top pharmaceutical companies by minimising operational costs while maximizing innovation and productivity.
Centre of excellence: Launchpad for scientific talent
The proposed Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in skill development and scientific training. It will collaborate with local ITIs, polytechnic institutes and universities to provide hands-on training in pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control; access to state-of-the-art labs and opportunities for research, internships and apprenticeships in live industrial settings.
This initiative will create a strong bridge between academic learning and real-world industry requirements, helping students become job-ready professionals and potential entrepreneurs.
Boosting startups, employment, innovation
More than just a training institute, the Centre of Excellence is expected to become a springboard for biotech and pharmaceutical startups, providing mentorship, incubation and a dynamic environment for innovation. It will attract talent not only from Una and Haroli, but from across India.
Local youth will benefit from direct and indirect employment opportunities, transforming the region into a career and innovation hub. With industrial, educational and governmental collaboration, the Bulk Drug Park is set to be a symbol of national pride and a model of sustainable, skill-driven development.
“With its integrated focus on infrastructure, industry and innovation, the Haroli Bulk Drug Park is more than just an industrial zone — it’s a gateway to the future of Indian science and technology. For Himachal Pradesh’s youth, it represents a golden opportunity to step into high-tech careers and global pharmaceutical networks,” says Rajesh Sharma, a science student.
