Land hurdle looms over SCL Mohali revival plan

A 26-acre land parcel near the existing chip research and manufacturing facility, the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, has emerged as a potential hurdle in the Centre's plan to modernise the decades-old plant with advanced chip technology.

- Jatin Grover

Owned by the Punjab government, the land was identified by the Centre-run facility over a year ago for its expansion and adding new fabrication lines. However, ongoing disputes over the land and a steep price of ₹700-800 crore demanded by the Punjab government are causing delays to the government's plans, two officials aware of the matter said on the condition of anonymity.

"The land is seen as key for expansion due to its proximity to the existing research and manufacturing infrastructure. Essential services such as power, water, and connectivity can be expanded with the existing SCL setup nearby, making it highly practical for expansion," the first official said, adding that the ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) is currently evaluating the prospects.

Queries emailed to MeitY and chief secretary to the Punjab government did not elicit any response till press time.