Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** A promising push for economic growth in Chhattisgarh is underway as jewellers urge the government to establish an international gems and jewellery park in Raipur’s Pandri area. If realized, the project could elevate Raipur to a top national jewellery hub, generating thousands of jobs, attracting investment, and boosting state revenue.
A new discussion has begun in Chhattisgarh regarding the Raipur Gems and Jewellery Park. Jewellers from the state met Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai to demand the development of an international-level gems and jewellery park in the Pandri area of Raipur. Traders say that if this project materializes, Raipur could establish itself among the country’s leading jewellery trade centers. Additionally, it would create thousands of jobs, boost investment, and significantly increase state revenue.
During the meeting held late Saturday night at the Chief Minister’s residence, a delegation led by former president of the Raipur Sarafa Association, Harkh Malu, submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Minister. It cited several practical and economic reasons for choosing Pandri as the most suitable location for this project.
Traders informed the Chief Minister in the memorandum that the old bus stand area in Pandri is already government land. This would eliminate the need for new land acquisition, thereby reducing both the time and cost of the project.
Furthermore, Pandri’s geographical location makes it an ideal spot. The area is situated at the junction of National Highway-30, GE Road, and Ring Road-1. Raipur Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes away, the airport about 15 minutes, and Nava Raipur around 25 minutes. Traders believe customers from across Chhattisgarh could reach here within two hours, making this area the state’s largest jewellery trade hub.
The proposal also prioritizes security arrangements. Traders noted that an open complex, roads on all sides, and a nearby police control room would make it easier to develop a modern security system. Direct connectivity to the CCTNS network would strengthen both security and surveillance.
Additionally, traders pointed out that the Sadar Bazar and Malviya Road areas currently face severe traffic congestion. If a modern jewellery park with multi-level basement parking is built on over five acres in Pandri, the movement of thousands of customers during wedding seasons would not disrupt traffic.
Traders believe this park could create an identity for the state similar to what the Surat Diamond Bourse in Gujarat and the Jaipur Jewellery Park in Rajasthan have done for their respective states.
If this project commences, major national and international jewellery brands would be attracted to Raipur. This would not only increase investment but also give new momentum to tourism and trade activities. An organized market would ensure complete transparency in business and potentially increase tax collection.
Traders claimed in the memorandum that after the park is built, the jewellery business will operate within an organized framework. With hallmarking centers, a refinery, and modern testing facilities available in one complex, tax leakage will be curbed.
They estimate that this could generate an additional GST revenue of Rs 200 to 300 crore annually for the state government. Formalizing the business entirely would also enhance transparency.
According to the proposal, the park will not only facilitate jewellery buying and selling but will also be developed as a modern training and innovation center.
The plan suggests establishing a CAD-CAM lab, a design institute, a training center, a hallmarking unit, and a refinery. This would provide training in modern jewellery design and manufacturing techniques to local goldsmiths and their families’ youth.
The demand for the Raipur Gems and Jewellery Park is seen not just as a business project but as an initiative to give a new direction to Chhattisgarh’s economy. If the government approves this proposal, Raipur could carve a distinct identity among the country’s major jewellery trade centers.
The proposal also states that if a jewellery museum, exhibition hall, and dedicated space for fashion shows are developed within the park, national and international-level events could be hosted there.
Such events would directly benefit the hotel industry, transport services, restaurants, and local businesses. Traders suggested developing this project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which would provide the government with regular income through lease and rent.
Along with the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, a letter from the All India Jewellers and Goldsmiths Federation (AIJGF) was also provided. It mentioned the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) implemented in Bihar, which has been approved by the Director General of Police there.
Traders urged that the same SOP be implemented in Chhattisgarh to establish better coordination between the police and jewellery traders, and to prevent honest businessmen from facing unnecessary legal troubles.
