Is Political Interference Derailing Surat’s PM MITRA Textile Park Project?

Surat | Gujarat —– While the PM MITRA park project–once touted as a game-changer for the textile ecosystem in Surat and south Gujarat—is yet to take off even after two years, there are rumours in the textile sector that a tussle between a powerful realtor group and senior BJP leaders has put a big question mark on the commencement of the project. 

While states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have moved swiftly with plot allotment and infrastructure plans, Gujarat’s progress remains confined to paperwork, triggering disappointment and frustration across the textile industry.

The central government had announced seven PM MITRA Parks to build world-class textile hubs across India. Gujarat, considered the country’s largest textile base, was expected to lead from the front. Yet, the state has surprisingly fallen behind. No roads, no infrastructure, no plot allotment—not even basic groundwork has begun, industry stakeholders say.

As per the rumours, a senior BJP leader has thrown his weight to stop the work that GIDC wants to take up. The interest of private parties was given priority over GIDC. The formation of SPV is the main reason which caused a huge delay due to some political interferences due to tussle with the builder group. Due to these issues of the state, the Ministry of Textiles went into mute mode. Some private players are queuing up to enter and have lobbied the MP. 

The development of the park is very much needed as many industries want to shift from Surat city and district due to pollution and other issues. 

In stark contrast, Madhya Pradesh has already completed the allotment process, while Maharashtra has begun inviting applications and initiated the distribution of plots. Gujarat, meanwhile, has only floated a tender for a 98-km water pipeline from Kakrapar to Vansi-Borsi—its first and only visible step since 2022.

“A Park Announced but Not Built”

Surat’s textile sector, which is rapidly modernizing with high-tech machinery and massive private investments, feels abandoned at a time when government support could have accelerated growth.

“If PM MITRA Park had been built now, it would have opened new doors for development,” said a frustrated textile mill owner from Pandesara. “Instead, we are forced to buy plots in private parks or even move to Maharashtra for subsidies.”

Several Surat-based industrialists have already shifted units to Navapur, Maharashtra, lured by quicker approvals and better incentives.

States Moving Ahead—Gujarat Stuck at Zero

Madhya Pradesh:

MPIDC has completed the entire process, including plot approvals, in November. Industrialists will now receive final allotments.

Maharashtra:

Applications for plots have been invited, and the state is moving rapidly to hand over land to investors.

Gujarat:

Apart from the tender for the water line, no roadwork, no demarcation, and no industrial planning has materialized. The PM MITRA blueprint remains “only on paper,” officials admit privately.

Concerns Over Builder Lobby

Industry insiders allege that certain builder groups in Surat are eyeing the project for profit rather than industrial development.

“Cheap government land acquired for development may later be sold at inflated rates,” an industry source said. “This is slowing serious progress.”

Industrial Bodies Demand Immediate Action

Ashish Gujarati of the Textile Task Force Chamber emphasized the urgency. “This park is a huge investment opportunity. Over 15,000 people will get jobs. An integrated value chain will reduce transport cost and time, and boost exports. We have presented this to the government twice. Construction must begin immediately.”