Modi Govt To Utilise Surplus PSU Land For New Manufacturing And Infra Projects

The Narendra Modi government is planning to utilise almost 18 lakh acres of land, owned by different public sector undertakings (PSUs), for new manufacturing and infrastructure projects, The Economic Times has reported.

"The idea is that since land acquisition is a very long-drawn process, we can identify the land available and then match it with the requirements of a new project," the newspaper quoted a senior official of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises as saying.

According to the ministry's estimates, out of the 18 lakh acres of land available with PSUs, 8-10 lakh acres can be used soon. A senior official working with a PSU said, "We are in the process of compiling the data. Some land is free hold and other has been given by the respective state governments, so it is taking some time."

12 sick PSUs, which are not operational but have surplus land, have been identified for this purpose. Some of the companies are: Hooghly Dock & Port Engineers Ltd, British India Corporation, Elgin Mills Company, Hindustan Vegetable Oils Corporation and Birds Jute and Export Ltd.

"We are examining these firms from both financial viability and HR issues. They have some land that can be utilised," the official added.