Maharashtra Plans Chemical Hub at Vadhavan Port, Policy Soon
Mumbai, October 22: The Maharashtra government plans to release a dedicated chemical industry policy during the first week of November, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday.
Fadnavis made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of India Chem 2026. He said the state intends to develop a large chemical industrial zone in the Vadhavan port region of Palghar district under the new framework.
The policy is intended to address the evolving requirements of industries, build infrastructure that attracts investment, and hasten the growth of the chemical sector across Maharashtra, the Chief Minister said.
Maharashtra has around 3,600 chemical industry units, Fadnavis said. The state holds about 19 percent of the national chemical sector's gross value added and contributes 17 percent of the country's chemical exports.
He added that platforms like Maitri and Invest Maharashtra are making it easier for investors to obtain clearances and access necessary support.
The chemical industry currently supports roughly three lakh jobs in the state, and the new policy has the capacity to double those opportunities, Fadnavis stated.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav referred to a Rs 50,000 crore petrochemical project in Bina and outlined expansion plans for plastic and gas-based industrial parks.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said his state is shifting from a mineral-based economy to a chemical industrial economy. Green hydrogen, petrochemicals and fertilizers are receiving investment support, backed by the capacity of its coastal ports.
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers JP Nadda said the Centre remains committed to the sector's growth through favourable policies, strong infrastructure and support for research and development.
Nadda noted that India's chemical industry is currently worth about $220 billion. The government's goals are to reach $1 trillion by 2040 and $1.6 trillion by 2047.
He said the Centre provides up to Rs 1,000 crore for each bulk drug park under the scheme, and state governments must contribute at least Rs 500 crore to develop a world-class industrial ecosystem.
Nadda also disclosed that advanced chemicals have been brought under a Rs 1 lakh crore research, development and innovation fund. He stressed industrial safety, secure management of hazardous chemicals, worker training, carbon emission reduction and expansion of plastic recycling infrastructure as priorities.
Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel and Gujarat Minister of State Praful Pansheriya also shared their views, underlining the need to simplify regulatory compliance and offer regulatory support to industries.