Special Feature On     

Published: April 30, 2026
Updated: April 30, 2026

Thane Belapur Industrial Association

Pioneer of industrial belts in India

The Thane Belapur Industrial Belt was commissioned in 1965 and was given a special status as a chemical zone. Attracted by this status, several chemical and pharmaceutical companies led by NOCIL, Polyolefins and Pfizer started their industrial projects in this area.

As of today, there are 3,000 industrial plots allocated by MIDC, of which 1,900 units are working while the remaining have been converted into commercial/residential complexes. As such, the Thane Belapur Industrial Belt has made a huge contribution to the economic development of India, and was considered the largest industrial belt in Asia. In the earlier days, exports from this area used to be around Rs 30,000 crore. However, of late, industrial activity in the area has declined because the government has permitted residential and commercial complexes — in dangerous proximity to chemical industries.

ALL FACILITIES

The industrial belt has full-fledged facilities to treat various kinds of pollution, like:

• 1) A common effluent treatment plant.
• 2) A solid waste management site.
• 3) A weather monitoring station.
• 4) A fire station, etc.

As such, it can attract chemical /pharmaceutical industries. Another advantage is that it is the nearest industrial belt from Mumbai. The Thane Belapur Industrial Association runs industrial safety classes and has a common effluent treatment plant, which has been awarded as the best plant amongst 28 MIDC estates in Maharashtra.

(Mr. Shah is President of the TBIA)