Chandigarh: The Punjab government has launched the ‘FastTrack Punjab Portal’, aiming to streamline industrial approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays for businesses in the state. The platform, launched jointly by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, promises time-bound clearances for industrial projects, with a focus on accountability and automation.
New Portal Aims to Deliver Approvals Within 45 Days
As part of the broader ‘Punjab Udyog Kranti’ initiative, the FastTrack portal is designed to ensure that new business setups, expansions, and project diversifications receive necessary approvals within 45 days. If the timeline is breached, investors will automatically receive deemed approval, Kejriwal announced at the launch event.
Officials stated that the system is being structured to enforce accountability within departments. Any delay in approval beyond the stipulated time will trigger an escalation mechanism involving the Chief Secretary, followed by an internal inquiry to identify the officer responsible.
Single-Window Clearance, Deemed Approvals Introduced
The new framework includes a single-window clearance system through the Invest Punjab Portal, allowing entrepreneurs to apply for statutory approvals like change of land use (CLU), fire safety, forest, and pollution certificates using a unified application and a single stamp paper. Mann claimed that these clearances will be processed within 15 days.
To further simplify compliance, the state has also introduced a self-certification mechanism for building plans, structural safety, and fire no-objection certificates.
Right to Business Act Expanded
The government has expanded the scope of the Right to Business Act to cover investments up to Rs 125 crore. Depending on the location, in-principle approvals will now be issued within 3 to 15 days. Officials also confirmed that since April 2025, the state has disbursed Rs 150 crore in pending industrial incentives, with total disbursals expected to touch Rs 250 crore by the end of June.
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