Dehradun: In a major push toward digital infrastructure and employment generation, the Uttarakhand government has announced plans to develop a modern IT Hub on the abandoned land of the former HMT factory in Ranibagh, located in the Kumaon region.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that a state-of-the-art Information Technology hub will be established on 45.33 acres of land transferred from HMT to the state government. The project is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities for local youth while positioning Kumaon as an emerging technology destination in North India.
From Industrial Ruins to Digital Growth
The HMT factory in Ranibagh was established in 1985 and once served as a major industrial landmark in the Kumaon region. Spread across nearly 91 acres, the facility played an important role in the local economy for decades.
However, due to financial losses and operational challenges, the factory was shut down in 2016. Since then, the vast industrial campus gradually turned into an abandoned site.
After years of discussions and negotiations, the Central Government transferred 45.33 acres of HMT land to the Uttarakhand government in 2022. Several proposals were considered for the site, including a mini SIDCUL industrial zone, an AIIMS branch, a defense manufacturing unit, and housing projects under PM Awas Yojana. The state government has now finalized plans to transform the area into a dedicated IT Hub.
Uttarakhand Government Aims to Attract Top IT Companies
Speaking to the media after a review meeting at FTI on Rampur Road, CM Dhami said the IT Hub would open new avenues for industrial and economic development in the state.
According to the Chief Minister, the government aims to bring leading IT companies to Ranibagh and create a collaborative ecosystem where multiple technology firms can operate under one umbrella.
He emphasized that the project will significantly reduce migration from Kumaon by providing local youth with career opportunities closer to home, instead of forcing them to move to cities such as Delhi, Noida, or Bengaluru for employment.
IT Hub Expected to Become a Game Changer for Kumaon
The upcoming Ranibagh IT Hub is being seen as a transformative project for the Kumaon region and the wider Uttarakhand economy.
Traditionally dependent on tourism and agriculture, Uttarakhand is now looking to diversify into technology and digital industries. Experts believe the strategic location of Ranibagh — close to Haldwani and near Nainital — makes it an attractive destination for IT investments.
The project is expected to improve regional infrastructure, encourage startup culture, and strengthen the state’s digital economy.
Government Also Reviews Other Regional Issues
During the meeting, CM Dhami also addressed several pending regional demands and development issues.
Relief Expected for Bindukhatta and Other Areas
The Chief Minister stated that the government is actively working on the long-pending demand to grant revenue village status to Bindukhatta. He also mentioned that efforts are underway to resolve issues in areas such as:
- Bapugram in Rishikesh
- Parts of Ramnagar
- Bagga 54 in Khatima
The government, he said, is committed to taking policy decisions in line with public sentiment.
CM Targets Opposition Over Banbhoolpura Encroachment Issue
Commenting on the controversial Banbhoolpura railway land encroachment case in Haldwani, CM Dhami criticized opposition parties, including Congress and the Samajwadi Party.
He said the Supreme Court had acknowledged the existence of illegal encroachments in the area and claimed that the issue could have been resolved earlier if the matter had not been prolonged through legal challenges.
According to the Chief Minister, the district administration is now proceeding strictly in accordance with court directives and ensuring lawful action.
About HMT
HMT (Hindustan Machine Tools) is a government-owned engineering and manufacturing company established in 1953. The company was once known for producing watches, tractors, machine tools, and industrial equipment in India. Over the years, several HMT manufacturing units across the country were shut down due to financial difficulties and changing market conditions.
