Tamil Nadu Steps Up SIPCOT Revival Mission, ₹43.6 Crore Infrastructure Push at Manapparai

Tamil Nadu is stepping up efforts to revive underutilised industrial parks, with the State government focusing on infrastructure gaps that have prevented several allotted industrial plots from turning into operational factories.

The issue has come into sharper focus at the Manapparai SIPCOT Industrial Park in Tiruchi district, where land has been allotted for 32 factories across the 1,097.86-acre industrial park. However, only four companies are currently operational.

Industries and Investment Promotion Minister S. Keerthana said the government is addressing the bottlenecks through the SIPCOT Revival Mission, which aims to ensure that industrial parks function as active manufacturing centres rather than remain largely as land banks.

A government inspection of the Manapparai park in May identified several concerns raised by investors. These included inadequate water supply, internal roads, streetlighting, public transport, security arrangements and dedicated power infrastructure.

Some of the issues have already moved towards resolution. Trial operations for drinking and industrial water supply under the Cauvery Water Scheme began in June, and water supply was extended to all allotted plots after deficiencies identified during the trial were addressed. A second water source through Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers is also being used to strengthen availability.

Road connectivity is another major focus. Tender allocation for road infrastructure was completed in July, with road and streetlight works now moving towards execution.

The government has also identified land for a 110 kV power substation to serve the park’s future electricity requirements. Registration of the required land has been completed, paving the way for the substation.

Public transport has also received attention, with bus services introduced following discussions between the Industries Department and the State Transport Corporation. The move is expected to improve access for workers and nearby residents.

SIPCOT has allocated around ₹43.6 crore for infrastructure works in the new phase of the Manapparai park. The package includes roads, stormwater drains, culverts and streetlights.

The government is also examining regulatory delays affecting individual companies. Security infrastructure is being strengthened through the proposed installation of CCTV facilities.

The Manapparai intervention is intended to become part of a wider State-level effort. Tamil Nadu plans to extend the SIPCOT Revival Mission to other industrial parks where infrastructure and administrative gaps have slowed investment.

The larger objective is straightforward: ensure that industrial land allotments translate into factories, employment and sustained economic activity.