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India's first Disneyland park proposed in Manesar, says Haryana CM Saini
The National Capital Region (NCR) could soon host India's first Disneyland amusement park, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announcing a 500-acre mega entertainment hub in Manesar. The project, he said, is set to become a landmark in the state's tourism and infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister revealed that the site for the park has been earmarked near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district. The site is strategically situated along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor.
'Game-changer for Haryana', says CM Saini
Calling the project a 'game-changer', Saini said the park will bring widespread economic, cultural, and social benefits, not just for Haryana but for the entire country. 'Manesar's proximity to Delhi, its infrastructure, and corporate presence make it the perfect location,' he said after meeting with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi.
Saini said that the objective is to leverage Haryana's connectivity and market potential to create a world-class amusement centre. 'It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas,' he said.
Gurugram, already home to several Fortune 500 companies, is a key contributor to the state's economy. The proposed Disneyland-style park will further complement the upcoming Global City project. Saini said. 'Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland.'
Currently, Disneyland parks operated by the Walt Disney Company are located in California and Florida in the United States, Paris (France), Tokyo (Japan), and Hong Kong.
Surajkund to host more cultural events
In addition to the entertainment park, the Haryana government is working on positioning the state as a major global destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Saini shared that the state has proposed hosting three annual melas at Surajkund, expanding the scale of celebrations at the International Gita Mahotsav, and seeking financial assistance from the Centre for the same.
The Surajkund Mela, already an iconic event, attracts artisans, folk performers, and artists from across India and abroad. Each year, the fair focuses on the cultural traditions of a different Indian state. 'The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism,' Saini said.
Haryana eyes spiritual tourism boost
To further enrich this platform, the government also plans to organise a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund. 'This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent,' he said.
Highlighting the significance of the International Gita Mahotsav, the chief minister said it offers a strong opportunity to brand Haryana as a spiritual tourism hub. 'To establish Haryana as a key pilgrimage destination globally, we need active support from the Union Tourism Ministry,' he said, requesting the Centre's help in organising the Mahotsav on a much grander scale.
[With agency inputs]
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