Disneyland: Haryana Eyes India’s First Disney-Themed Park

In a move that could transform India’s amusement and tourism industry, Disneyland in Gurgaon may soon become a reality. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Wednesday that the state government is in active talks with officials from Disney to establish the country’s first Disneyland-themed amusement park in the Manesar region of Gurgaon. A 500-acre plot near Pachgaon Chowk has already been identified for the mega project, according to a Times of India report.

Following a high-level meeting with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi, CM Saini shared that the park is expected to boost both the economy and tourism of the region. “This is not just about entertainment,” he said. “Disneyland in Gurgaon will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, uplift the local economy, and place Haryana firmly on the global tourism map.”

Disneyland: Strategic Location Chosen for Accessibility and Growth

The selected site near Manesar is situated along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC), making it highly accessible for visitors from Delhi-NCR and beyond. “Gurgaon is an economic powerhouse with excellent connectivity and evolving infrastructure. That makes it the perfect home for India’s first Disneyland,” Saini added.

The project is expected to complement the state’s ambitious Global City initiative, a futuristic township under development across 1,000 acres in sectors 36, 36B, 37, and 37B of Gurgaon. Designed with a walk-to-work model, the Global City will seamlessly link to both the Delhi-Gurgaon and Dwarka expressways, adding to the area’s appeal.

Massive Tourism and Cultural Impact Anticipated

Saini emphasized that the proposed Disneyland in Gurgaon is not just a commercial venture, but a project with wide-ranging social and cultural benefits. “We are looking at a paradigm shift in how India is viewed as a global tourism destination. The park will draw both domestic and international tourists, increasing footfall and investment in Haryana,” he said.

In what could be Disney’s first official amusement park collaboration in India, the development is set to compete with earlier proposals such as the one floated by the Maharashtra government in February this year for Navi Mumbai. However, the Haryana government’s advanced planning and land acquisition steps may give Gurgaon the lead.

Disneyland: Revamping Cultural Events Alongside Disneyland Push

Alongside the Disney project, the Haryana government is also making moves to amplify its cultural footprint. The CM revealed plans to expand the annual International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra and make the Surajkund Mela a more frequent event. “We are considering hosting a Diwali-themed mela and a dedicated book fair at Surajkund in addition to the traditional fair,” said Saini.

Support from the Union Tourism Ministry is being sought to scale up these festivals, which draw thousands of visitors every year and are seen as heritage treasures of the state.

Echoes of the Past, Challenges Ahead

Interestingly, the idea of bringing Disneyland to Gurgaon is not new. Back in 1989, then Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala floated a similar proposal. It was, however, shelved after strong opposition from political rivals and local farmers.

Reacting to the current government’s revival of the project, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Singh Chautala expressed criticism. “The BJP, which was then allied with us, had joined hands with Congress to oppose the idea in 1989. Why the change of heart now?” he asked.

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