The Haryana Government’s ambitious plan to come up with five ultra-modern industrial townships along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway has run into political trouble. An open disagreement between senior BJP leaders has emerged, raising questions over the future of the project and potentially slowing its progress.
Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh has openly opposed the proposed ‘Panchgram’ project, placing the state leadership under pressure. He has indicated that he may escalate the issue to the Prime Minister’s Office if his concerns are not addressed.
The project proposes developing five “super smart cities” along the 135-km KMP corridor. The aim is to reduce congestion in cities like Delhi and Gurugram by creating self-sustaining industrial and economic hubs. Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh has strongly backed the plan, calling it a major step toward accelerating industrial development in the region.
However, Rao Inderjit Singh has expressed serious concerns about its impact on farmers. He warned that large-scale acquisition of agricultural land could harm local communities and said farmers’ land should not be “squeezed like a lemon” in the name of development. He has made it clear that he will go up against the project in its current form, especially in the Rewari-Gurugram belt.
The public disagreement has once again highlighted the long-standing political rivalry between the two Ahirwal leaders. The episode has exposed internal differences within the BJP and may affect a project considered crucial for Haryana’s infrastructure growth.
The Panchgram project was first conceptualised during the rule of former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. However, it remained stalled for years due to land acquisition challenges and administrative delays. Its recent revival had generated fresh optimism among industry stakeholders and investors.
At the heart of the controversy are concerns about loss of fertile farmland, compensation packages, and rehabilitation of affected farmers. Critics have also pointed to the lack of wider consultation with local stakeholders. Industry observers warn that prolonged political uncertainty could weaken investor confidence at a time when the National Capital Region is competing to attract large investments.
With Rao Inderjit Singh planning to raise the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government now faces the task of building political consensus around the project. Failure to resolve differences could once again stall one of Haryana’s most ambitious corridor-based development plans.
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