Indore, Aug 21 (KNN) The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department of Madhya Pradesh has approved Rs 12 crore for upgrading the Ratlam industrial area, reported TOI.

This has raised hopes among industrialists to get uninterrupted electricity and water supply in one of the oldest industrial belts of Ratlam.

Accounting for more than 140 industries, the Ratlam belt faces frequent tripping amid damaged power lines have left industries worried about quality of produce and squeezing productivity. 

Industries of Ratlam industrial area have urged the MSME department to repair power lines to avoid production loss and upgrade infrastructure in the industrial belt still dependent on tanker water for industrial operations.

Mukesh Sharma, general manager, District and Industries Trade Center (DITC), Ratlam said, “We have received a sanction of Rs 12 crore from the department for upgrading infrastructure at Ratlam industrial area. The amount will be spent on developing roads, power lines, drainage and connecting water supply.” 

Industrialists said power tripping occurs 3-4 times a day and affects the quality of end products and hits productivity. Industries under the aegis of Malwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries have submitted a memorandum to the chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urging for an inclusive policy for old and new industrial belts focusing on infrastructure development. 

Malwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries state secretary Varun Porwal said, “Industries are suffering a lot due to power tripping. A single tripping spoils the whole production line. The government should use the sanctioned amount in upgrading power lines and transformers for smooth supply in industries.”

Pradeep Malhotra, a second generation industrialist from Ratlam Industrial area said, “Ratlam is very well located on the map and has a great advantage over other cities of MP but despite this we are not able to encash this due to poor infrastructure and lack of focus on improving the health of existing industrial belt. I still get drinking water from home and order tanker water daily for running operations.”  (KNN Bureau)