Madhya Pradesh government eyes to make SADA an investment centre: Chief Secretary Anurag Jain

Time of India

29-04-2025

India's central state is looking to redevelop the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) in
Gwalior
for multiple industrial sectors and make it an 'attractive investment hub' for domestic and multinational companies, a top official told ET.
#Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan
India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions
Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats
"The initiatives are aligned with the state's strategy to integrate with global value chains and attract long-term investments in manufacturing, electronics, and renewable sectors as well as other sunrise sectors," MP Chief Secretary Anurag Jain said.
The special area in Gwalior, will be redeveloped after three decades, in PM Gati Shakti mode to offer a comprehensive infrastructure and logistics efficiency, promoting holistic economic development, and new employment opportunities.
In 1992, the state government launched the SADA scheme in a bid to portray West Gwalior as a counter-magnet area, but it faced challenges including delays in its implementation.
In April 2000, the special purpose initiative was given jurisdiction over 28,102 hectares of Gwalior district, and an additional 1,912 hectares of area in Morena district.
Owing to the proximity with the national capital region (NCR), the special region would boost Gwalior as one of the country's preferred investment and expansion destinations, for manufacturers.
The area is strategically located with
Agra-Gwalior Expressway
construction in full swing that is expected to reduce the travel time between Delhi and Gwalior, connecting it directly with major gateways and enhancing the trade and commercial activities.
The improved connectivity is already positioning Gwalior and its surrounding regions, such as Morena, as attractive destinations for industry sectors. With closer proximity to the NCR's established IT and electronics ecosystem, this corridor enhances the viability of setting up tech parks, data centers, and logistics hubs in Madhya Pradesh—strengthening the state's position as a cost-efficient, high-potential hub for digital and telecom investment, the official added.
The expressway, likely to be completed in 2028, is one of the integral constituents of India's central expressway spine which will ultimately link Delhi to Bangalore, and other key southern locations.
Recently, the state government has set up a mega footwear and accessories cluster in Morena.
Chief minister Mohan Yadav-led state recently unveiled a host of schemes to boost industrial development. These include ease and reduced cost of doing business, exemption from statutory approvals, and GIS-enabled land management and allotment system.
MP Industrial Promotion Policy 2025 is designed to directly attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI). Anchor companies, according to the policy documents, would be eligible for up to 20% additional subsidy basis scale of FDI, and technology transfer incentives up to ₹1 crore for overseas technology transfers.
The
Madhya Pradesh government
has also reached out to telecom industry groups such as the Telecom Equipment Manufacturing Association (Tema) and India Cellular & Electronics Association (Icea), showcasing the designated area's prowess.
The state is also aiming to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) with 100% reimbursement of expenses on filing patents and trademarks, design and product development grants, marketing assistance, and creation of working women hostels to increase equal gender participation.