Maharashtra to roll out chemical sector policy by October-end

Maharashtra is set to introduce a dedicated Chemical Sector Policy by the end of October, according to a senior state government official. The announcement was made at MahaChem 2026, an industry event held in Mumbai.

P Anbalagan, Principal Secretary of the Industries, Investment and Services Department, said the policy will cater to the specific needs of the chemical sector and complement ongoing initiatives in areas such as bioplastics, biotechnology, and biomanufacturing.

The state is also evaluating locations in Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri for the development of chemical parks spanning 2,500 to 5,000 acres. Alongside this, a proposed Rs 1,000-crore Maharashtra Industries and Investment Fund is planned to support research and development, technology readiness, and innovation.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis invited fresh investment into the sector, highlighting the state's commitment to faster clearances and policy support. He pointed to the single-window MAITRI platform and robust policy incentives as key elements of the state's pro-business environment.

Praveen Pardeshi, Chief Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister, said the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors are vital to Maharashtra's ambition of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy. He stressed the need for competitive utility costs, flexible energy access, sustainable water management, and supportive policy reforms to strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Industry data presented at the event values Maharashtra's chemical sector at around USD 22 billion, with over 3,600 factories and 13 designated chemical zones. The state contributes roughly 19 per cent of India's chemical sector gross value added and accounts for 17 per cent of the country's chemical exports. Growth opportunities were identified in specialty chemicals, battery materials, electronic chemicals, advanced polymers, and bioplastics.