Himachal’s Pharma Leap: How Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Is Powering India’s Global Drug Ambitions
In the heart of Himachal Pradesh lies BBN (Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh) — a region that has quietly become Asia’s pharmaceutical powerhouse. With over ₹50,000 crore in annual business and home to giants like Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy’s, BBN played a heroic role during the COVID-19 pandemic, even supplying medicines to the United States.
Now, Himachal is preparing for its next big leap — the Bulk Drug Park in Haroli, Una district. This ambitious project, backed by the central government, aims to reduce India’s dependence on China for raw pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and make Himachal a global hub for drug manufacturing.
A Vision Taking Shape
The Bulk Drug Park, approved in 2020, is being built on 1,400 acres and will cost around ₹1,924 crore. It promises to generate 20,000 direct jobs and many more indirectly. With ₹1,118 crore coming from the Centre and the rest from the state, the park will produce raw materials for medicines — a game-changer for the pharma industry.
Why It Matters
Until now, India imported most of its APIs from China. This park will change that. Located close to BBN, it will provide cheaper, locally sourced raw materials, reducing costs and boosting production. It will also help India save foreign exchange and strengthen its supply chain.
Progress So Far
The project has cleared major hurdles, including environmental approval, and is now moving swiftly. A high-powered committee oversees its development, and ₹225 crore has already been released. Plans are in place for 120 MW of power, water supply, and road connectivity.
Voices from the Ground
Local leaders and industry veterans are optimistic. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured full support, while pharma leaders like Rajiv Aggarwal and Dr. Rajesh Gupta see this as a turning point for Himachal’s pharma sector. They believe it will elevate India’s standing in the global pharmaceutical market.
A Legacy of Impact
During the pandemic, BBN’s medicines reached over 150 countries, including the U.S., which received Hydroxychloroquine from Baddi. PM Modi himself praised BBN’s contribution in a 2022 speech. With over 700 pharma companies operating in the region, BBN already formulates 49% of India’s medicines.
