LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government is set to establish a state-of-the-art textile park in Ramna, Varanasi, within a year. The initiative, spearheaded by the UP Handloom and Textile Department, aims to revolutionise the region’s textile landscape by creating an integrated ecosystem for weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. According to K. Vijeyendra Pandian, Commissioner and Director of the department, the upcoming textile park will leverage Uttar Pradesh’s Technical Textile Policy, with a focus on innovation, research, and value addition. The Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) has been tasked with preparing a detailed feasibility report, expected to be completed within 90 days. Authorities plan to make the park operational within a year.
Pandian emphasised that the project would not only modernise the Banarasi sari industry but also create new avenues for export-oriented production. The initiative gained momentum following consistent efforts by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who has been advocating for infrastructure support to uplift Varanasi’s traditional crafts sector.
The District Magistrate of Varanasi, Satyendra Kumar, confirmed that land allocation for the textile park has already been completed. The upcoming facility will house raw material and yarn banks, along with R&D partnerships with premier institutions such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT), and a Bunkar Service Centre to assist weavers.
The park will also feature specialised units, including zari and embroidery divisions, processing units, and a dyeing section. Efforts are underway to obtain Silk Mark and Geographical Indication (GI) tags to ensure product authenticity. These measures will help buyers access certified silk products and build greater trust in locally produced handloom goods.
A dedicated platform for Banarasi sari production, marketing, and promotion will be developed within the park to help artisans connect with domestic and international buyers. The project aligns with the state government’s vision to empower local artisans through the “One District One Product (ODOP)” initiative and boost exports of authentic handloom items, including saris, durries, and other local crafts.
Participants at the recent stakeholder meeting expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for selecting Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Industrial representatives, including RK Chaudhary of the Indian Industries Association (IIA), also lauded the government’s proactive approach and the swift resolution of pending matters under the UP Textile Policy 2022.
Varanasi, already known globally for its luxurious silk saris, is poised to emerge as a major hub for textile innovation. It will blend tradition with technology and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of local weavers. The plan for setting up a textile park in Varanasi gained fresh momentum after Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal extended strong support to the initiative. His consistent push to promote traditional crafts and handloom clusters under the “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” missions has played a key role in expediting the project’s approval.
