Hyderabad: With over 320 acres still unallotted at the Kakatiya mega textile park (KMTP) in Warangal, the state govt has shifted focus to strengthening social infrastructure to unlock investments and accelerate growth. Gaps in facilities and earlier high land costs had slowed allotments, but officials now expect improved amenities to make the park more attractive to industry. The govt, through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, is planning a township over the next two to three years with shopping complexes, hospitals and schools for employees. Industry representatives have also flagged the need for hotels and better accommodation within close proximity to the park.Two critical issues—connectivity and housing—are being prioritised. The state is encouraging private players to establish star hotels within KMTP, as company representatives currently stay in Warangal, around 20 km away. Air connectivity is another concern, with efforts underway to expedite development of the Warangal airport in coordination with the Centre and the Airports Authority of India. “Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is 190 km from the textile park. Some companies’ owners such as Youngone Corporation travel on private jets. Even for general industrialists, they need an airport close by as the Hyderabad airport is about three hours from the textile park,” a senior KMTP official said. The govt has also addressed pricing concerns. Land rates, earlier at 92 lakh per acre, have been reduced to 53 lakh per acre to remain competitive with other PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri mega integrated textile region and apparel) parks and attract investors. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy, during a recent review meeting, directed authorities to fast track social infrastructure development, identifying it as a key gap. Around 2,000 people are currently employed at KMTP, with projections indicating a rise to 25,000 jobs in the coming years. Star hotels on cards“The govt is keen on developing required infra in the textile parks in the next few years, including star hotels, a road over bridge and logistic infrastructure,” said K Shashanka, MD of TGIIC.
