A proposal to develop two logistic hubs in Uttarakhand has failed to make any headway after the bidding process.
With the development of key industrial estates of Haridwar and Pantnagar, the State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (Sidcul) had chalked plans to provide logistic support and facilities to the industries through these two hubs. For this purpose, 8-10 bids were received by Sidcul last year.
However, the Sidcul Board, comprising top government officials including the chief secretary, expressed reservation over certain clauses, due to which the bidding process did not make any headway. Some of these companies wanted to make upfront charges in a staggered manner by adopting annuity model. However, this was not accepted by the Board.
Sidcul, the nodal agency for industrial development in the hill state, had decided to set up two modern logistic hubs having facilities like warehouse, truck parking, dormitories and 24-hour canteen/restaurant, fuel station, service centres, office complexes for service providers and hotels. An investment of Rs 50 crore is proposed in the two logistic hubs, official sources said.
Sidcul had allotted industrial plots to 600 units at integrated industrial estate (IIE) Haridwar and 470 units at IIE Pantnagar. Most of the industrial units have already commenced production. Tata Motors, Hero Honda, HUL, Bajaj Auto, M&M, Nestle, Britannia and Dabur are some of the big names which have set up large production facilities at the two places.
But the demand from industries was growing for logistic hubs mainly for the comfort of businessmen and industrialists visiting the two places.
Sidcul has also mandated IL&FS Ltd to undertake comprehensive process management leading to appointment of developers who will implement the projects on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.