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The Ratlam industrial zone is at the peak of a significant transformation, thanks to an allocation of Rs 12 crore sanctioned by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department. This funding injection has instilled a sense of optimism among industrialists, as it holds the potential to provide uninterrupted water and electricity supplies to one of Ratlam’s oldest industrial hubs.
Housing over 140 industries, the Ratlam industrial area has been coping with recurrent disruptions stemming from damaged power lines, raising concerns about product quality and impeding overall productivity. Responding to this issue, industrial players have passionately appealed to the MSME department, urging swift action to rectify the power infrastructure to prevent production losses. Additionally, they’ve underscored the urgent need for upgrading the infrastructure that still relies on tanker water for daily operations.
Mukesh Sharma, the General Manager of the District and Industries Trade Center (DITC) in Ratlam, shared, “We have received a generous allocation of Rs 12 crore from the department, dedicated to the comprehensive enhancement of infrastructure within the Ratlam industrial area. This fund will be judiciously utilized for the development of roads, power lines, drainage systems, and water supply connections.”
The recurring power disruptions—occurring up to 3-4 times daily—have taken a toll on both product integrity and overall manufacturing efficiency. As a collective endeavor, industries united under the Malwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The memorandum calls for the formulation of a comprehensive policy that focuses on infrastructure development, catering to both existing and emerging industrial clusters.
Varun Porwal, State Secretary of the Malwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, emphasized, “Power disruptions have significantly hampered industries. A single instance of tripping disrupts the entire production cycle. It is crucial for the government to allocate the funds toward strengthening power lines and transformers, ensuring a seamless power supply to the industries.”
To nurture an ecosystem conducive to industries, the Department of Industries should conduct regular maintenance in these industrial enclaves. Pradeep Malhotra, a second-generation industrialist from the Ratlam Industrial area, highlighted, “Ratlam’s strategically advantageous geographic location gives it an edge. However, our potential remains untapped due to inadequate infrastructure and insufficient focus on fortifying the foundation of our existing industrial network.”