Maharashtra to issue chemical industry policy in November, plans hub near Vadhavan port

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that the state government is preparing a separate policy for the chemical industry. The policy will be formally released in the first week of November.

The policy aims to meet the changing needs of industry and build infrastructure that is friendly to investors. It includes a plan for a large chemical industrial hub in the Vadhavan port area of Palghar district.

Fadnavis was speaking at the inauguration of India Chem 2026. He said Maharashtra has about 3,600 chemical industrial units. The state accounts for 19 per cent of the country's chemical sector gross value added (GVA) and contributes 17 per cent of the country's chemical exports.

The Chief Minister said, "Through single-window platforms such as Maitri and Invest Maharashtra, the state government gives investors hassle-free approvals and support."

He also said the chemical sector currently employs about 3 lakh people in Maharashtra. Under the new policy, this number is likely to double.

Leaders from other states were also present at the event. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav spoke of a Rs 50,000 crore petrochemical project at Bina. He also outlined plans to expand plastic and gas-based parks.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said his state is moving from a mineral-based economy towards a chemical-industrial economy. The effort is to draw investment in green hydrogen, petrochemicals and fertiliser by making use of coastal ports.

Minister of State Anupriya Patel and Gujarat Minister of State Praful Pansheriya also addressed the gathering. Both stressed ease of compliance and regulatory support.

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers J P Nadda said the Centre is committed to providing full support through favourable policies, strong infrastructure and research and development. He said India's chemical industry market is currently about $220 billion. The target is to take it to $1 trillion by 2040 and $1.6 trillion by 2047.

According to Nadda, under the bulk drug park scheme the Centre is giving up to Rs 1,000 crore for each park. The state has to contribute at least Rs 500 crore for this, so that a world-class industrial ecosystem can be built. The Centre has also included advanced chemicals in the Rs 1 lakh crore research, development and innovation fund.

Nadda also said priority must be given to industrial safety, handling of hazardous materials, training of workers, reducing carbon emissions and expanding the plastic recycling framework.