The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has announced the development of a modern Leather, Non-Leather Footwear and Accessories Cluster in Khardi, District Thane.
Spread over 150 acres on a 95-year lease, this project is being positioned as one of the most attractive industrial opportunities in India.
The cluster is strategically located just 4 km from Khardi railway station and about 90 minutes from Mumbai. Nhava Sheva Port is within a similar distance, making it ideal for exporters.
Work is already underway on a six-lane road that will further cut travel time and boost logistics efficiency.
The government is offering the land at Rs.1.14 crore per acre against its original value of ₹2.40 crore per acre. This nearly 60% discount.
The Maharashtra Leather and Footwear Policy 2025, expected to be approved by mid-September, will bring a wide range of benefits.
These include capital subsidies of up to 120% of fixed capital investment for integrated parks, interest subvention on loans, production-linked incentives and employment-linked subsidies.
Additional support covers participation in global trade shows, export promotion, power tariff subsidies and exemptions on stamp duty and electricity duty.
To strengthen the ecosystem, world-class infrastructure will be created within the cluster. A Common Facility Centre will house CAD/CAM, testing labs, incubation and prototyping.
A design studio will support product innovation and branding, while a dedicated Skill Development Centre will train and certify the workforce.
CFTI Chennai is also expected to open an extension center for specialized footwear training and R&D.
Allotments of the land will be on a first come first serve basis, with the last date for Expression of Interest (EOI) submission being September 11, 2025.
Applicants are required to submit a non-refundable cheque in favor of the Council for Leather Exports along with their EOI. Priority will be given to exporters, though domestic producers will also be considered later.
The MIDC will make land available on a ready-to-build basis between March 2026 and June 2026. All essential facilities like roads, water supply, sewage and power connections are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Allottees will have three years to build and commence operations, failing which the land may be re-allotted.
This project is set to become a turning point for Maharashtra’s ambition of building India’s top leather and footwear hub.
For more info reach out to Council for Leather Exports at cleb@cleindia.com
