Navi Mumbai: India Jewellery Park Mumbai (IJPM), a major industrial infrastructure project supported by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), marked the commencement of construction at Mahape, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday. Attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, senior government officials and prominent jewellery industry representatives, the ceremony marked a significant step towards developing an integrated manufacturing ecosystem aimed at strengthening India's jewellery production, exports and employment opportunities.
The event brought together jewellery manufacturers, retailers, designers, artisans, exporters and industry professionals from across the country, reflecting the importance of the project to different segments of the gems and jewellery sector. The programme began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries, followed by addresses highlighting the project's development, government support and long-term industrial potential.
Addressing the gathering, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, acknowledged the contributions of industry stakeholders and government authorities who have supported the project over the years. Recalling an important milestone, he referred to the bhoomi pujan of India Jewellery Park Mumbai performed by Devendra Fadnavis during his first term as Maharashtra Chief Minister, highlighting the sustained efforts required to bring the development to its present stage.
Bhansali expressed appreciation to the Maharashtra government for recognising the gems and jewellery industry as an important economic sector and acknowledging its contribution to manufacturing, exports, craftsmanship and employment. He thanked Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for their continued support, while also recognising the guidance of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in advancing initiatives for the sector.
Highlighting the project's vision, Bhansali explained that India Jewellery Park Mumbai is intended to bring manufacturers, skilled artisans, designers, technology providers and allied services together within a single industrial ecosystem. The development aims to provide businesses with access to modern manufacturing infrastructure, supporting facilities and services that can improve coordination across different stages of jewellery production.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC: “India Jewellery Park Mumbai will be a game-changer for India's gem and jewellery industry.”
He also discussed government support for the project, including applicable incentives, duty-related benefits and measures intended to simplify industrial approvals. The proposed park is expected to accommodate enterprises of different sizes, including MSMEs, while providing access to facilities such as banking, refining, customs-related services and commercial infrastructure. Bhansali highlighted the project's potential to create more than one lakh employment opportunities and support the industry's long-term development.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the gathering, described the commencement of construction as an important development for Maharashtra's industrial growth and India's position in the global jewellery market. He emphasised the importance of modern infrastructure, technological advancement and manufacturing capabilities in strengthening the industry's international competitiveness.
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra: “The India Jewellery Park Mumbai is the future of our gem and jewellery industry.”
Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra's established strengths in jewellery manufacturing, including its skilled workforce, entrepreneurial capabilities and export-oriented businesses. He noted that the state has an important role in India's jewellery trade and that dedicated infrastructure projects can help attract investment, improve production efficiency and generate employment.
The Chief Minister also referred to opportunities emerging from India's international trade relationships and Free Trade Agreements, encouraging jewellery businesses to adopt modern technologies, improve quality standards and explore new export markets. He assured the industry of the government's continued support in addressing infrastructure requirements, including electricity, water, transport connectivity, financing and administrative approvals.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasised the contribution of skilled artisans and jewellery designers to Maharashtra's industrial heritage. Referring to established jewellery centres such as Zaveri Bazaar, SEEPZ and Bharat Diamond Bourse, he highlighted Mumbai's longstanding association with jewellery manufacturing, craftsmanship and international trade.
Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra: “Our artisans and skilled designers are the backbone of this industry.”
Shinde noted that the proposed development would build on this established foundation by bringing modern manufacturing facilities, design capabilities and skilled labour into a dedicated industrial environment. He also highlighted the project's potential to generate direct and indirect employment while creating opportunities for young professionals and skilled workers.
India Jewellery Park Mumbai is being developed across approximately 21.3 acres at Mahape in Navi Mumbai's TTC Industrial Area, with a planned construction area of around 65.61 lakh square feet. The project comprises ten blocks, including eight designated for large and medium manufacturing enterprises, one for smaller manufacturing units and another for commercial offices.
The first phase will include four blocks—A4, A5, A6 and A7—with a planned construction area of approximately 24.97 lakh square feet. Manufacturing spaces will be available in different configurations to accommodate businesses with varying operational requirements, enabling participation from established manufacturers as well as smaller enterprises.
The integrated development is intended to bring together activities across the jewellery value chain, from design and manufacturing to finishing, quality assessment and supporting commercial services. By locating these operations within a common industrial environment, the project aims to reduce fragmentation in production processes and improve access to essential infrastructure.
Government incentives form an important part of the project's investment proposition. Under the Maharashtra Gems and Jewellery Policy 2025, eligible enterprises may benefit from specified stamp duty exemptions, electricity duty concessions, interest subsidies and SGST-related incentives, subject to applicable conditions. The state's MAITRI single-window clearance framework is also expected to support administrative procedures for participating businesses.
The project has already attracted interest from more than 70 companies, reflecting industry demand for organised manufacturing infrastructure. The participation of jewellery manufacturers and allied businesses indicates the potential for the development to evolve into a broader industrial cluster, supporting production, technology adoption and commercial collaboration.
For jewellery machinery manufacturers and technology providers, the proposed park could create opportunities as businesses establish or modernise their production facilities. Equipment such as CAD/CAM systems, 3D printers, casting machinery, laser technology, precision tools and automated finishing systems is becoming increasingly important in jewellery manufacturing. The concentration of production units within one location could support closer interaction between manufacturers, machinery suppliers and technical service providers.
The project is expected to attract substantial investment, with estimates discussed around the commencement ceremony ranging from ₹25,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore. Its employment potential has been projected at approximately one lakh direct and indirect opportunities, although these figures remain dependent on the project's development and eventual industrial occupancy.
The first phase is targeted for operation by the end of 2028. As construction progresses, the industry will be watching developments related to manufacturing unit allotments, infrastructure readiness, government incentives and the participation of businesses across the jewellery value chain.
For India's gems and jewellery industry, the commencement of India Jewellery Park Mumbai represents a significant step towards building dedicated manufacturing infrastructure that brings traditional craftsmanship, modern technology and industrial services together within a common ecosystem.
(Images credit - GJEPC)