Ranchi
Proposals from Welspun, Infosys, Lulu Group and the Azim Premji Foundation underlined Jharkhand’s diversified investment strategy at Davos. The engagements are expected to generate jobs, upgrade skills, and integrate local producers with global value chains.
Welspun World: Rs 300 Crore Proposal In Plastics Manufacturing
Jharkhand’s efforts to position itself as an emerging industrial destination received a boost at the World Economic Forum, Davos, with Welspun World proposing an investment of approximately Rs 300 crore in the State’s plastics manufacturing sector. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Chief Minister Hemant Soren and B.K. Goenka, Founder and Chairman of Welspun World.
The State delegation presented details of the proposed Plastic Park at Deoghar, highlighting industrial infrastructure, policy support, and the ease-of-doing-business framework. Welspun World showed particular interest in PVC-based plastics manufacturing within the proposed cluster. The company is expected to send a technical and leadership team to Jharkhand for site visits, feasibility assessments, and detailed evaluations.
Beyond plastics, Welspun World also expressed interest in Jharkhand’s potential in critical minerals and logistics. Discussions included the proposed logistics park at Dhanbad and the availability of warehousing and storage infrastructure across key industrial corridors, with both sides agreeing to maintain continuous engagement.
Azim Premji Foundation: Confidence In Jharkhand’s Development Vision
Azim Premji welcomed Jharkhand’s development approach at Davos, describing it as encouraging to see the State pursuing its priorities with seriousness, clarity, and institutional commitment.
He highlighted the Azim Premji Foundation’s ongoing investments in Jharkhand, including a university, a medical college, a 1,300-bed hospital, and a school in Ranchi’s Itki region. He also acknowledged the consistent support from the State government, describing the engagement as active, constructive, and collaborative, and extended an open invitation to investors in India and globally to explore opportunities in Jharkhand.
Infosys Global: AI, Digital Transformation And Youth Skills
The Chief Minister met Ashish Kumar Das, Executive Vice President, Infosys Global, to discuss collaboration in technology-led development. Infosys representatives appreciated the Chief Minister’s work and vision, particularly on re-skilling, the concept of a technology tower, and the use of advanced technological interventions for digital transformation in the mining sector.
Both sides agreed to strengthen digital and artificial intelligence skills among Jharkhand’s youth, with further discussions proposed on leveraging Infosys’ Wingspan platform. There was also consensus on showcasing AI-based digital transformation solutions to improve productivity, safety, and efficiency in mining, with a virtual session planned for February.
Lulu Group: Global Market Access For Farmers And SHGs
At Davos, Hemant also held discussions with Yusuff Ali, Founder and Managing Director of the Lulu Group. The Group proposed exploring sourcing of Jharkhand’s agriculture-based and forest-based products through its global retail network.
Lulu Group expressed interest in engaging with farmers, women-led Self-Help Groups, and forest-based producer communities, alongside capacity-building initiatives to strengthen quality standards, aggregation, and supply readiness. A high-level delegation from the Group is expected to visit Jharkhand to assess sourcing capabilities, as Jharkhand seeks to position itself as a primary sourcing partner within Lulu Group’s global value chains.
INOX Air Products Make A Point
For his part, Siddharth Jain, Managing Director of INOX Air Products Private Limited, underscored Jharkhand’s growing attractiveness as a reliable industrial investment destination, citing strong governance and policy execution mechanisms.
He said that a robust and centralised field-work system for monitoring investment commitments, a business-friendly environment, policy stability, time-bound approvals, and strong infrastructure together enable large-scale industrial operations in the state. According to him, these factors provide companies with the confidence to invest decisively and plan for the long term.
Highlighting the company’s presence in the state, Jain said INOX Air Products has invested more than Rs 1,200 crore in Jharkhand, reflecting its trust in the state’s institutional framework and growth potential. He added that Jharkhand has emerged as a strategic and dependable partner for the company’s future expansion plans.
