In two major announcements, Punjab Industry and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora on Thursday said that the state government is finalising a new Industrial Park Policy and is also planning to establish an independent authority to oversee maintenance of infrastructure in all focal points and industrial estates.During a press conference, Arora said that the Industrial Park Policy, currently in the drafting stage, is designed to be among the most competitive in India and will foster industrial growth and enhance ease of doing business.“It will provide a robust framework to support industrial expansion by offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and comprehensive facilities within designated industrial parks. These parks will streamline business operations, attract investments, and create a conducive environment for industries to thrive,” he said.Arora highlighted the launch of the Fasttrack Punjab portal (fasttrack.punjab.gov.in) on June 10, 2025. The portal, designed to expedite approvals and clearances, has received 1,431 applications to date. Of these, 684 have been processed in time, while the remaining 747 are under review and expected to be cleared soon.Speaking at the ‘Rising Punjab – From Suggestions to Solutions’ event in Ludhiana earlier in the day, Arora said that said that the independent authority aims to address critical issues such as sewerage, roads, lighting, and other essential facilities to support industrial growth. Global consultancy firm Ernst & Young is developing a framework for the authority. The event saw participation from industrialists across Ludhiana, Moga, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, who provided valuable suggestions to shape government policies.Arora highlighted that Punjab’s focus on easing business operations over the past three and a half years has attracted investments worth Rs 1.14 lakh crore, generating employment for 4.5 lakh people.He said that a three-day Punjab Investment Summit will be held at ISB Mohali from March 13, 2026. The summit will bring together industrialists, traders, NRIs, and foreign companies to boost investment in the state. He said that the ‘Rising Punjab’ initiative is designed to address industrialists’ concerns promptly, with policies being shaped based on their feedback.Story continues below this adArora also added that through the One-Time Settlement Scheme, nearly 40-year-old issues have been resolved. An appellate authority has been established for canceled plots to ensure timely resolution. Clubbing and de-clubbing of industrial plots has been implemented, enabling entrepreneurs to make better use of their land. Industrialists can now also convert leasehold plots or sheds into freehold. The government is also granting ownership of plots allotted on lease, so that entrepreneurs can conduct financial transactions with ease.He added that last year, the state government provided incentives worth Rs 90 crore to industrialists, and now, within 5 months, incentives worth Rs 222 crore have already been given.Industry director Surabhi Malik elaborated on key initiatives, including the One-Time Settlement (OTS) schemes, procedures for applying, and terms for plot restoration. She also discussed policies for clubbing, de-clubbing, leasehold-to-freehold conversion, and fragmentation/subdivision, along with their respective fee structures.Additional CEO of Invest Punjab Rahul Chaba highlighted recent reforms and introduced the Fast Track Punjab Portal, a digital platform designed to streamline processes for industrialists.Story continues below this adArora also held a meeting with key departments’ officials to review industry, labour, PSPCL, MC, PWD and other schemes related to the industry and address implementation challenges.He also detailed significant infrastructure investments. The Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) has allocated Rs 100 crores for upgrading infrastructure across various focal points in the state. Tenders worth Rs 70 crore have already been issued, with the remaining Rs 30 crore in the tendering process. In Ludhiana, the Municipal Corporation will invest Rs 55 crore to enhance local infrastructure, ensuring better connectivity and facilities for industrial and commercial activities. He also unveiled plans for the construction of three state-of-the-art exhibition centres in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Mohali. These centres aim to boost trade, promote local industries, and provide platforms for showcasing products and innovations.