Textile dept to build a logistics hub in Bhiwandi

In a boost for the mega power loom cluster in Bhiwandi, the textile department has initiated steps for the project. It has demanded 150 acres of land for it. If the government’s plan materialises, the crumbling and neglected infrastructure in Bhiwandi would be upgraded.

District information officer Aniruddha Ashtaputre said, “The textile department will need at least 150-acre land, with a good connectivity to the upcoming Mumbai Nagpur Samruddhi Corridor, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Delhi Mumbai Freight Corridor to boost business to be set up in the cluster.”

The cluster, claimed the department, will ensure that the Bhiwandi looms do not have to depend on anyone for raw materials and to export finished goods. Apart from proving employment to locals, the logistics hub will also bring about planned development in Bhiwandi with better roads, education and transport facilities.

The Comprehensive Powerloom Cluster Development Scheme was first proposed by the central government for Bhiwandi in November 2008. The detailed project report was approved in March 2009.

However, the project could not be implemented due to several constraints under the Comprehensive Powerloom Cluster Development Scheme. The idea was refloated last year when textile minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the PowerTex India Schemes in 43 cities through video-conferencing in Bhiwandi. The cluster will have a common facility centre, powerloom processing unit, yarn market, workshop spaces and skill development centres.