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Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Manesar to get a Disneyland: Saini
The National Capital Region (NCR) is set to become home to India's first Disneyland Park, with the Haryana government proposing a 500-acre amusement and entertainment destination in Manesar, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Thursday. The Haryana government has proposed a 500-acre amusement and entertainment destination in Manesar, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Thursday. (HT PHOTO) The proposed park will be located along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, ensuring seamless access from Delhi and other major centres. The plan, which officials said is part of the state's broader strategy to transform itself into a global tourism hub, aims to position Haryana alongside global destinations like Paris, Tokyo, and California that host similar Disney-themed parks. Saini described the project as a 'game-changer' for Haryana's tourism and economy. 'This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to Haryana but to the entire country,' said Saini, following discussions with Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi. 'Manesar's proximity to Delhi, its infrastructure, and corporate presence make it the perfect location.' State tourism officials aware of the project's details said the move is expected to drastically alter the region's tourism profile. It is likely to attract massive private investment, boost infrastructure, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and catalyse growth in the hospitality, entertainment, and real estate sectors in and around Manesar and Pachgaon. The announcement is being seen as an effort to fill the entertainment void left by the shuttering of Gurugram's Kingdom of Dreams in 2022, which had once promised to be India's collapsed amid mounting financial losses and disputes between its promoters and state authorities. 'This project will mark a turning point for Haryana's tourism economy,' said a senior tourism department official. 'Disneyland's global brand value, combined with Haryana's expressways and mega infrastructure projects like the Global City, will elevate the entire NCR as a destination for tourists and investors alike.' Owned by the Walt Disney Company, there are five Disneylands across the world — in California and Florida in the United States, Paris (France), Tokyo (Japan), and Hong Kong. On asked if the project has been cleared by Disney, a senior state government official, requesting anonymity, said, 'The project was announced only after all necessary communications were completed and after receiving the proposal from all concerned parties. However, Disney has not issued an official statement yet.' As part of its holistic tourism push, the Haryana government is also expanding its cultural calendar. The Surajkund Crafts Mela, traditionally held once a year, will now be hosted thrice annually with the addition of a Diwali Fair and a Book Fair. The expanded calendar is aimed at offering broader platforms for artisans, performers, and writers, and drawing larger tourist footfalls. Saini also urged the Centre to extend financial support for scaling up the annual International Gita Mahotsav, a Kurukshetra-based celebration of the Bhagavad Gita's teachings. 'Projects like Disneyland, Surajkund expansion, and Gita Mahotsav will redefine Haryana's global image. We're committed to building a world-class cultural and tourism ecosystem,' he said. Tourism industry experts welcomed the integrated approach, saying that blending heritage, entertainment, and infrastructure could significantly increase Haryana's tourist inflow. Officials added that land acquisition and administrative work for the Disneyland project is already underway, and discussions with global partners are progressing. Groundwork is expected to begin in the coming months. However, the announcement has stirred political memories of an earlier, unsuccessful attempt. In 1989, the Om Prakash Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) government had proposed a Disney-style park over 28,000 acres in Gurugram. The project was scrapped following intense farmer protests over land acquisition, turning it into a politically sensitive issue. Abhay Singh Chautala, INLD's national president, lashed out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of hypocrisy. 'The BJP vehemently opposed the 1989 proposal and even a plan for a casino in 2000. They must now explain what has changed,' he said. BJP, however, leaders defended the new project, drawing a distinction between past and present. 'Our opposition in 1989 was against the forcible acquisition of thousands of acres of farmers' land. This project is limited to 500 acres and will be executed in a manner that respects farmers' interests while promoting development,' said Arun Yadav, BJP social media head.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Haryana eyes India's first Disneyland-style park in Manesar; 500 acres identified near Gurgaon, ET Infra
Advt Why Gurgaon? Tourism expansion plans Advt By , ETInfra Haryana could become home to India's first Disneyland-style amusement park, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Wednesday, announcing that 500 acres of land had been identified near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar for the proposed per a Times of India report, the government is in talks with Disney officials, Saini said, following a meeting with Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi. He added that the proposed entertainment hub would create both direct and indirect employment and boost tourism.'The project will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities and bring major changes to the area. It will attract international tourists too,' Saini was chosen, Saini said, as it contributes the largest share to the state's revenue and hosts multiple Fortune 500 companies. Its proximity to transport corridors such as the KMP Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor makes Manesar accessible to visitors across NCR.'The upcoming Global City project in Gurgaon will be another milestone for the region. Hence, Gurgaon is the most suitable location for Disneyland,' he Global City project, a 1,000-acre township being planned across four sectors, will follow a walk-to-work model, with integrated facilities and transport links to the Delhi-Gurgaon and Dwarka chief minister also announced plans to scale up the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra and expand the Surajkund mela into a triennial event with a Diwali mela and a book fair.'Considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, the government is planning to organise a Diwali mela and a book fair at Surajkund as well… We have also sought support from the Union tourism ministry and the central govt to organise Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale,' he said.'Together, these projects will firmly establish Haryana as a tourism hub,' the CM finalised, the Haryana Disneyland would be Disney's first direct collaboration in India. Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government announced plans for a Disneyland-inspired park in Navi Mumbai, but without formal involvement from the animation had floated a similar proposal in 1989, when then CM Om Prakash Chautala proposed a Disneyland park in Gurgaon. The plan was later shelved following political opposition and land acquisition national president Abhay Singh Chautala on Thursday questioned the BJP's current support for the project.'BJP was supporting INLD govt in 1989 but it sided with Congress to oppose the project back then,' he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Want to bring Disneyland to Gurgaon, says Saini, unveils plan for big tourism push
Gurgaon: The city could play host to India's Disneyland amusement park, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini has said, unveiling ambitious plans to develop areas off the Western Peripheral (KMP) Expressway as tourist destinations. Saini said govt was in talks with officials from Disney and has identified 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar for the project. A Disneyland in NCR will be "game-changing", the CM said, after meeting Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi on Wednesday. He said the entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural and social benefits, not only to the state, but the country too. "The project will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities and bring major changes to the area. It will attract international tourists too," Saini said. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon Gurgaon, he said, was chosen as the site for the park as many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the NCR city, and it gives the state most of its revenue. "The upcoming Global City project in Gurgaon will be another milestone for the region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pistol de sudură laser multifuncțional siginificant Află mai multe Undo Hence, Gurgaon is the most suitable location for Disneyland. The site in Manesar is strategically located along KMP Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC). People from across NCR can easily visit," Saini said. The Global City project is a 1,000-acre mini-city that the state govt plans to build across sectors 36, 36B, 37 and 37B. Apart from links to the Delhi-Gurgaon and Dwarka expressways, the project will be based on a walk-to-work concept, and all facilities and services will be easily available. Separately, Haryana govt is planning to expand the scale of International Gita Mahotsav, an annual event in Kurukshetra, and organise three melas, instead of one, at Surajkund every year. "Considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, govt is planning to organise a Diwali mela and a book fair at Surajkund as well… We have also sought support from the Union tourism ministry and the central govt to organise Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale," he said. The CM added, "Together, these projects will firmly establish Haryana as a tourism hub." Disneyland, if it goes ahead, will be the first to be built in collaboration with the animation giant in India. Earlier this Feb, the Maharashtra govt had announced plans to develop a park inspired by the Disneyland theme in Navi Mumbai. In 1989, then Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala had proposed to set up Disneyland in Gurgaon but the project was eventually shelved amid opposition by other political parties and farmers whose land would have to be acquired. INLD national president Abhay Singh Chautala said on Thursday BJP must explain its change in stand on establishing Disneyland in the city. "BJP was supporting INLD govt in 1989 but it sided with Congress to oppose the project back then," Abhay said.
The Print
2 days ago
- Business
- The Print
In CM Saini's tourism push, revival of Haryana Disneyland dream & echoes of INLD's failed 1989 proposal
The amusement park, planned on a 500-acre site near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram, is strategically located along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, ensuring excellent connectivity. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Saini met Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi to discuss strategies for promoting tourism and preserving Haryana's cultural heritage. Central to the discussion was the proposed Disneyland project, which Saini described as a 'game-changing' initiative. Gurugram: In a move to position Haryana as a global tourism hub, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's government has announced plans to establish a Disneyland theme park in Delhi-NCR, specifically in Gurugram. Saini emphasised that the project would generate significant economic, cultural, and social benefits, not only for Haryana but for India as a whole. 'The Disneyland project will capitalise on Gurugram's market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement centre,' he said. 'It will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, develop infrastructure, and transform the surrounding areas.' Gurugram, home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and the upcoming Global City project, was highlighted as the ideal location. The Chief Minister noted that the project would attract international tourists, boost tourism revenue, and establish Haryana as a prominent destination on the global map. Also read: With Abhay Chautala's coronation as national chief, INLD eyes comeback as Haryana's primary Opposition Echoes of 1989: Chautala's Failed Disneyland Plan The ambitious project, aimed at boosting the state's economy and creating thousands of jobs, has reignited discussions about a similar initiative proposed in 1989 by then-Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, which faced fierce opposition and was ultimately scrapped. Abhay Singh Chautala, national president of the INLD, alleged while talking to ThePrint that the BJP not just opposed the Disneyland move of his father's government in 1989, but the party also opposed Chautala's move to bring casinos in Gurugram in 2000. 'The BJP and the Congress have never believed in the development of the State. Had the INLD government's move not been blocked in 1989, Haryana would have been a tax-free state in the country and would have the capacity to offer loans to other states. The BJP was supporting the INLD government from outside in 1989 as well as in 2000. However, it sided with Congress when it came to these projects. The BJP should now explain to people what has changed in all these years,' Chautala said. He said that had Chautala not worked hard for development of Gurugram from 1999 to 2005, Gurugram wouldn't have been on the international map today. The 1989 plan envisioned a massive amusement park modelled on Florida's Disneyworld, requiring 28,341 acres of land, including 14,000 acres of prime agricultural land in Gurugram (then Gurgaon). The Haryana government, under Chautala, had even gone as far as to notify this vast area of land under the Land Acquisition Act for the amusement park. The idea was to create a major entertainment hub that, along with Gurugram's development, would significantly change the economic landscape of Haryana. The proposal faced massive public opposition. Farmers in Haryana vehemently protested against the acquisition of their agricultural land for the project. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not the primary force, it was part of the broader opposition, aligning with anti-INLD forces and supporting farmers' interests. Political analyst Yoginder Gupta noted, 'The 1989 protests were localised in Gurugram and NCR but gained traction due to the support of all opposition parties, including the BJP. It was not as widespread as the 1999 protests for free electricity, but it was significant.' When Bhajan Lal became Chief Minister in 1991, he scrapped the project, fulfilling an electoral promise to return the land to farmers. The decision was seen as a victory for the Opposition's collective efforts, though Congress led the charge. Accusations of Hypocrisy and Political Responses The revival of the Disneyland project has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, notably INLD MLA from Rania, Arjun Singh Chautala. Speaking to ThePrint on Thursday, Chautala accused the BJP of hypocrisy. 'The BJP has a habit of opposing projects launched by opponents, only to support them when in power,' he said. 'Had the 1989 project materialised, Haryana would have seen significant development and tourism revenue by now.' In response, a senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, defended the party's earlier stance. 'Our opposition in 1989 was not against development but against the forced acquisition of farmers' land,' the leader said. 'The BJP stands with farmers, and our current project will ensure development without compromising their interests.' The current Disneyland proposal is significantly smaller in scale, requiring only 500 acres compared to the 28,341 acres proposed in 1989. The government has emphasised that the project aligns with modern infrastructure and economic goals, leveraging Gurugram's status as a corporate hub. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: 100 days of Saini 2.0: Why Haryana CM is no longer seen merely as Khattar's protégé
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kerala will go ahead with ‘Global City' project despite Centre's withdrawal, says Minister Rajeeve
KOCHI: Industries Minister P Rajeeve has said that the state government will go ahead with the Global City Project in Ayyampuzha, part of the Kochi-Bengaluru industrial corridor, despite the Centre's withdrawal from the project. He was speaking during a meeting of the land owners held at Ayyampuzha on Monday. Earlier, the minister visited the proposed project site at Ayyampuzha near Angamaly. 'A committee, including the district collector, MLA, and grama panchayat president, will be formed to coordinate the future activities of the project,' the minister said. The Centre's withdrawal has resulted in the state incurring an additional burden tuning to crores, giving rise to concerns regarding the project's feasibility. When the 'Kochi Gift City' project was first conceived as part of the industrial corridor, it was agreed that the Union and state governments would equally share the project cost. Later, the project's name was changed to 'Global City' when the state was informed that the 'Gift City' is being mooted exclusively for Gujarat. Despite this, the Union government informed that the project cannot be allotted as part of the Kochi-Bengaluru industrial corridor. This resulted in a scenario where the state has to implement the ambitious project all alone. The initial plan was to set aside Rs 500 crore to acquire 500 acres of land for the project. However, following the Centre's withdrawal, the total land being acquired has been limited to 358 acres. 'A sum of Rs 849 crore has been handed over to KIIFB. Out of the total 358 acres, only 215 acre-land will be available for handing over to entrepreneurs. The same will result in a substantial push in the price of land to be handed over. The state is examining various ways to turn the project into a feasible one,' Rajeeve added. Pollution-free, modern industries will be established on Travancore Rayons land: Minister KOCHI: With the establishment of industries, including an electronics park on the Travancore Rayons land, not only Perumbavoor but the very face of Kerala is set to transform, Industries Minister P Rajeeve said on Monday. He was visiting the project site, which has been taken over by KINFRA. The minister emphasised that only environmentally sustainable and modern industries will be set up in the area. The industrial development will take place in two phases. Out of the total 68 acres, 30 acres have already been handed over to KINFRA. Technical procedures, including tendering, have been completed. Construction work will commence once final government approval is phase I, industries such as consumer electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, ayurvedic products, food processing units, and e-commerce warehouses are planned. An estimated cost of around Rs 22 crore is II will begin once the remaining land is made available. This phase will include research centres, incubation centres for startups, plug-and-play facilities for rapid industrial deployment, and sectors like nanotechnology, consumer electronics, AI, robotics, and food processing.
