By Shivya Kanojia
The Haryana government has announced ambitious plans to develop a 500-acre amusement park, styled after Disneyland, in Manesar. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini revealed the proposal on Thursday, positioning the project as a major step towards making the National Capital Region (NCR) a world-class tourist destination. The planned entertainment hub is set to be strategically located along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, also benefiting from the new Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. This placement is designed to ensure easy access for visitors from Delhi and other key urban centres in the region, as per a report by HT. Chief Minister Saini hailed the project as a “game-changer” that would significantly boost the state’s economy and tourism profile. Officials believe the project will attract substantial private investment and stimulate growth in the hospitality and real estate sectors. While the state government is moving forward with its plans, The Walt Disney Company has not yet released an official statement confirming its involvement. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the announcement was made after initial communications with relevant parties. However, formal confirmation from Disney is still pending. The proposal is a cornerstone of a wider strategy to enhance Haryana’s cultural offerings. The government also plans to expand the popular Surajkund Crafts Mela, holding it three times a year, and is seeking central funding to scale up the annual International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra. The announcement, however, revives memories of a similar, failed attempt in 1989. The Om Prakash Chautala-led government had proposed a much larger, 28,000-acre theme park, but the project was abandoned after fierce protests from farmers over land acquisition. Abhay Singh Chautala of the INLD has criticised the current BJP government, accusing it of hypocrisy. The BJP has defended its new proposal, drawing a clear line between the past and present plans. State officials have confirmed that preliminary work, including land acquisition processes, is already underway.