LML Realty’s Blueprint for Sustainable Industrial Growth

Industrial infrastructure is increasingly becoming a critical enabler of how businesses manage environmental responsibility, operational resilience and regional economic growth. For MSMEs in particular, access to compliant, utility-ready and cost-efficient industrial ecosystems can determine how effectively they move from investment to scale. This makes the development of shared infrastructure, cluster-based industrial models and policy-enabled business environments an important part of the country’s broader manufacturing and employment ambitions.

In this conversation with Mr. Yogesh Bhatia, MD and CEO, LML Realty, the focus is on how industrial real estate can move beyond the provision of physical space to create integrated ecosystems that support responsible industrialisation. Bhatia discusses the sustainability infrastructure and compliance-first approach underpinning Jhirka Valley, the role of shared utilities in lowering operational barriers for MSMEs, and the economic potential of a cluster model projected to bring more than ₹1,000 crore in cumulative investment and generate over 7,000 direct employment opportunities. He also outlines LML Realty’s longer-term vision of scaling this model through industrial parks and integrated townships designed around shared infrastructure, formalisation and value-added business support.

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Q. Sustainability in the industrial sector is increasingly being viewed as a shared responsibility between businesses, policymakers, and infrastructure developers. In this evolving landscape, how do you define the role of real estate and industrial infrastructure in advancing CSR, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development?

A. Industrial infrastructure today is no longer just about creating space for manufacturing, it is about creating ecosystems that enable responsible and sustainable growth. Infrastructure developers have a critical role to play by building industrial environments that integrate environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, efficient resource management, and long-term resilience from the outset.

When sustainable infrastructure such as integrated wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting, and reliable utilities are built into an industrial ecosystem, businesses are better equipped to operate responsibly while focusing on growth and innovation. At the same time, policymakers, developers, and industry must work together to create ecosystems that support economic development, employment generation, and long-term competitiveness. Sustainability is most effective when it is embedded into the infrastructure itself rather than treated as an afterthought.

Q. Industrial growth today is expected to generate not only economic value but also long-term social and environmental impact. How does LML Realty integrate the principles of responsible business, sustainability, and community development into its overall vision for industrial ecosystems?

A. At LML Realty, we believe industrial development should balance economic growth with responsible infrastructure planning. At Jhirka Valley, sustainability has been integrated into the ecosystem through common Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) infrastructure, rainwater harvesting systems, dedicated power infrastructure, and a compliance-first development approach supported by key statutory approvals.

The project has also been designed as a cluster-based industrial ecosystem with business support infrastructure, creating an environment that enables industries to establish operations within a well-planned and infrastructure-ready ecosystem.

Q. MSMEs are often regarded as the backbone of India’s economy, yet they continue to face barriers related to infrastructure, financing, and regulatory complexity. From your perspective, what systemic changes are necessary to build a more resilient and future-ready MSME ecosystem, and how is LML Realty contributing to this transformation?

A. MSMEs need an ecosystem that reduces the complexity and cost of setting up manufacturing operations. Access to quality infrastructure, faster project readiness, and financial support can significantly improve their ability to scale.

At Jhirka Valley, we have sought to address these aspects through a plug-and-play industrial ecosystem. As the only PADMA-approved industrial park in Delhi NCR, businesses can access benefits including a ₹20 lakh annual Infrastructure Acceleration Grant, 30% CAPEX subsidy, 6% interest subsidy for five years, 50% branding and export support, and access to a ₹3 crore MSME venture capital fund. Enterprises are also eligible for incentives under HEEP 2020, including 100% SGST reimbursement, 100% stamp duty refund, and electricity duty exemption, helping reduce the cost of industrial investment.

Q. Jhirka Valley has been positioned as a compliance-first, plug-and-play industrial ecosystem with integrated sustainability infrastructure. How does this model help industries reduce their environmental footprint while simultaneously improving operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness?

A. Jhirka Valley has been designed as a compliance-first, plug-and-play industrial ecosystem supported by integrated infrastructure. The park includes common Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) facilities, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and a dedicated 11kV LT substation supported by HT underground cabling, LT distribution systems, and emergency DG backup for common facilities

Businesses also benefit from utility-ready industrial plots, 18-metre RCC internal roads, a fully gated campus, and key regulatory approvals including DTCP NOC, Aravalli Forest NOC, Haryana State Pollution Control Board Consent to Establish, PADMA Scheme approval, and a 30-year clear title. This integrated infrastructure enables businesses to establish operations within a ready and compliant industrial ecosystem.

Q. Shared infrastructure such as common effluent treatment plants, sewage treatment facilities, rainwater harvesting systems, and dedicated power infrastructure can significantly improve environmental outcomes. Could you elaborate on how these collective investments contribute to responsible industrialisation and climate resilience, particularly for MSMEs that may otherwise struggle to build such facilities independently?

A. Shared infrastructure enables industries to access essential environmental and utility infrastructure without creating individual facilities for every enterprise. At Jhirka Valley, the ecosystem includes a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and dedicated power infrastructure comprising a 3.8 MW connection, LT distribution systems, and emergency DG backup for common facilities.

By integrating these facilities at the park level, businesses, particularly MSMEs, can operate within an industrial ecosystem that already provides critical infrastructure required for industrial operations.

Q. Cluster-based industrial development has the potential to create economic opportunities beyond individual enterprises by strengthening supply chains, encouraging collaboration, and generating employment. How does Jhirka Valley’s cluster model foster inclusive regional development, and what measurable social and economic impact do you anticipate for the surrounding communities?

A. Industrial clusters create opportunities by bringing together businesses within a single ecosystem, enabling industries to operate in close proximity while benefiting from shared infrastructure.

Jhirka Valley has been designed as a cluster-based industrial ecosystem comprising businesses across sectors including energy, chemicals, metals, textiles, and logistics. The project is expected to attract over 50 enterprises, enable cumulative investments exceeding ₹1,000 crore, and generate more than 7,000 direct employment opportunities, contributing to regional industrial and economic development.

Q. Financial incentives under the PADMA Scheme and HEEP 2020 are designed to reduce entry barriers for enterprises. Could you share how these initiatives are translating into tangible benefits for MSMEs, and if possible, provide data on the uptake of these incentives, investment mobilised, or businesses supported through the ecosystem so far?

A. The PADMA Scheme and HEEP 2020 are designed to lower entry barriers for enterprises by reducing the cost of industrial investment through a combination of financial incentives and policy support. At Jhirka Valley, eligible enterprises can benefit from a ₹20 lakh annual Infrastructure Acceleration Grant, a 30% CAPEX subsidy, a 6% interest subsidy for five years, 50% branding and export support, access to a ₹3 crore MSME venture capital fund, along with 100% SGST reimbursement, 100% stamp duty refund, and electricity duty exemption under HEEP 2020.

The ecosystem has already attracted over 30 enterprises and is projected to attract 50+ enterprises, enable ₹1,000+ crore in cumulative investment, and generate 7,000+ direct employment opportunities, reflecting the broader impact these initiatives are expected to create.

Q. Large-scale infrastructure projects are increasingly being evaluated through the lens of ESG and long-term sustainability. What metrics or key performance indicators does LML Realty use to assess the environmental, social, and economic impact of Jhirka Valley, and how do these insights shape your future development strategy?

A. At LML Realty, we believe the impact of industrial infrastructure can be assessed through the long-term value it creates for businesses, communities, and the broader economy. At Jhirka Valley, this is reflected through the integration of common sustainability infrastructure such as STP, CETP, rainwater harvesting systems, dedicated power infrastructure, and a compliance-first development model supported by all major statutory approvals.

From an economic and social standpoint, the project has already attracted over 30 enterprises and is projected to host more than 50 enterprises, facilitate over ₹1,000 crore in cumulative investment, and generate more than 7,000 direct employment opportunities. These outcomes demonstrate how integrated infrastructure can support both industrial growth and regional development.

Q. Beyond providing industrial infrastructure, LML Chambers and the Business Development Centre aim to create an enabling ecosystem for enterprises. How do these institutional support mechanisms strengthen innovation, market access, and business resilience, particularly for emerging MSMEs seeking sustainable growth?

A. At LML Realty, our objective extends beyond providing industrial plots, we aim to create a complete business ecosystem. LML Chambers has been developed as a 30,000 sq. ft. business and convention institution at the heart of Jhirka Valley and includes a permanently staffed Business Development Centre, exhibition facilities, convention infrastructure, and supporting commercial amenities.

These facilities have been planned to complement the industrial ecosystem by reducing the operational friction associated with running a business. By combining business support infrastructure with plug-and-play industrial facilities, Jhirka Valley has been designed as an environment where enterprises can establish operations and focus on long-term growth within a well-planned ecosystem.

Q. Looking ahead, industrial parks are expected to play a critical role in achieving India’s manufacturing, employment, and climate goals. What is LML Realty’s long-term vision for scaling this model, and how do you see projects like Jhirka Valley contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive industrial economy over the next decade?

A. We believe India's industrial transformation will be driven by planned, fully serviced industrial ecosystems that make it easier, faster, and more cost-effective for businesses to establish and scale their operations. Jhirka Valley has been developed as a demonstration of this approach through a compliance-first, plug-and-play industrial ecosystem supported by shared infrastructure, sustainability-focused utilities, business support facilities, and policy-linked incentives.

The project has already attracted over 30 enterprises and is expected to host more than 50 enterprises, enable over ₹1,000 crore in cumulative investment, and generate over 7,000 direct employment opportunities.

Looking ahead, LML Realty plans to scale this model through the development of multiple industrial parks and integrated townships built on the same principles of common infrastructure, cluster-based development, formalisation, and value-added services. Our focus is to create ecosystems that enable industries to operate more efficiently while contributing to India's long-term manufacturing and economic growth.