Maharashtra’s New Chemical Policy Aims To Attract Investment, Boost Innovation
The new policy is expected to support investment in specialty chemicals, advanced materials, battery materials, electronic chemicals, advanced polymers, bioplastics and other high-value segments
Pune: Maharashtra will introduce a Chemical Sector Policy by the end of October, and is examining plans to develop chemical parks spread across 2,500 to 5,000 acres in Palghar, Raigad and Ratnagiri, a senior government official said.
The state is also proposing a Rs 1,000-crore Maharashtra Industries and Investment Fund for research, technology and innovation as it seeks to attract fresh investment and strengthen its position in high-value chemical manufacturing, said an ASSOCHAM statement at MahaChem 2026 event in Mumbai.
“Maharashtra State is taking steps to create a stronger ecosystem for the chemical sector, with a dedicated policy, new chemical parks and measures to support innovation and technology-led growth,” said P. Anbalagan IAS, Principal Secretary Industries, Investment and Services Department, Government of Maharashtra.
He said the government is working towards a dedicated Chemical Sector Policy and have it in place by the end of October.
“The policy will address the specific requirements of the sector and complement initiatives already being developed across bioplastics, biotechnology, biomanufacturing and other emerging areas,” Anbalagan noted.
The new policy is expected to support investment in specialty chemicals, advanced materials, battery materials, electronic chemicals, advanced polymers, bioplastics and other high-value segments.
Praveen Pardeshi, IAS, Chief Economic Advisor to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), said chemicals and pharmaceuticals would be important to the state’s US$1 trillion economy target.
“Achieving this will require faster growth as well as an ecosystem that attracts greater private investment,” he said, adding that for strategic sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, competitive utility costs, flexible energy access, sustainable water management and supportive policy reforms will be critical.
According to an ASSOCHAM-EY report released at MahaChem 2026, Maharashtra’s chemical sector is valued at around US$22 billion, with more than 3,600 factories and 13 designated chemical zones.
It contributes around 19 per cent of India’s chemical sector GVA and 17 per cent of chemical exports, employing around 3 lakh people, it added.