Faridabad residents seek Metro connectivity to Gurugram, Palwal

As the Union Budget approaches, residents and industrialists in Faridabad are pinning their hopes on fund allocations for the long-pending Metro rail projects to Gurugram and Palwal, regularisation of non-conforming industrial zones, improved infrastructure, pollution control measures and green energy promotion.

Rajive Chawla, president of the Integrated Association of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of India (IAMSME), emphasised the urgent need for budgetary provisions for Metro rail connectivity and industrial zone expansion. “The Metro links to Gurugram and Palwal have been pending for years. Additionally, regularising unauthorised industrial zones, which house nearly 70% of manufacturing units, is crucial for industrial growth,” he said.

He also advocated for waiving GST or providing subsidies for industries transitioning to gas-based energy, citing the high cost of conversion. “Affordable and easily available energy sources, coupled with world-class infrastructure, will help local industries compete globally,” he added.

Pramod Rana, president of IMT Industries Association, highlighted the issue of double taxation on industrial units in the form of maintenance charges and property tax. “This concern was raised with the Chief Minister during pre-Budget discussions. In addition, setting up waste-to-energy plants, efficient solid waste disposal and green energy promotion remain critical needs,” he stated.

Echoing similar sentiments, entrepreneur Suresh Chand Garg stressed the need for upgraded industrial infrastructure, uninterrupted power supply and improved civic amenities. “These are essential for industrial sustainability and we hope the Budget will address our concerns,” he said.

A broader push for manufacturing sector rejuvenation was emphasised by Ramneek Prabhakar, general secretary of the Manufacturers Association Faridabad (MAF). “A special incentive or package is required to revitalise manufacturing. Additionally, we need a large-scale industrial unit and advanced laboratory test facilities for steel units, which have been long-pending demands,” he said.

On the civic front, Sumer Khatri, a representative of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), pointed out the city’s lack of efficient public transport. “Faridabad, despite its metropolitan status, suffers from poor public transportation. Metro expansion is urgently needed, as thousands of commuters face daily hardships due to congestion and inadequate transport options,” he said.

He also called for improvements in waste management, cleanliness, traffic regulation and pollution control. “The budget session has rekindled hope among residents. However, the persistent delays in projects like the Metro rail have forced people to continue suffering,” Khatri added.