"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
8 Jul 2025
A revolution in India’s entertainment and tourism industry is on the horizon, and it begins in Manesar. The Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has unveiled plans for a 500-acre Disneyland-style theme park, the first of its kind in India. Nestled in the heart of the National Capital Region (NCR), this visionary project promises to reshape not just the skyline of Manesar but the destiny of an entire region. This ambitious entertainment hub will be developed near Pachgaon Chowk, along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor—a location strategically selected for its superb connectivity, both regionally and nationally.
Disneyland—The Magical Theme Park
Disneyland is a famous amusement park created by Walt Disney that brings stories and characters from Disney movies to life. It is known for its exciting rides, entertaining shows, and the chance to meet beloved Disney characters, making it a popular destination for people of all ages. The original Disneyland opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California. Since then, Disneyland parks have been established in several locations around the world, including Florida in the United States, Paris in France, Tokyo in Japan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai in China. Each park offers its own unique attractions and experiences, but all capture the magical spirit that Disney is famous for.
In the words of CM Saini, "Manesar's proximity to Delhi, its infrastructure, and corporate presence make it the perfect location." Indeed, just an hour’s drive from Delhi, Manesar has long been a fast-developing urban center, with robust roads, top-tier industries, and a booming real estate sector. This proposed theme park will not stand alone. It will complement other mega projects in the area, particularly the Global City initiative in Gurugram, which is set to house cutting-edge commercial and residential spaces.
With Fortune 500 companies already established in Gurugram, adding a Disneyland-style theme park would place the region firmly on the world map. The announcement isn’t just about roller coasters, fairy tale castles, or water rides—it’s about a vision. This initiative will create thousands of jobs, both direct and indirect, and boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail, accelerate infrastructure development like roads, metro connectivity, and utilities. It will also promote tourism, inviting families, students, and travelers from all across India and abroad.
What Disneyland did for Orlando and what Universal Studios did for Singapore, this project aims to do for Manesar. Imagine a place where children can meet their favorite characters, families can spend entire days creating memories, and young adults can enjoy thrilling adventures. For many Indian families, international amusement parks have remained a distant dream. With this project, world-class fun will come home.
Beyond the grandeur and glitter, the heart of this project lies in its human impact. Local artisans and performers may find new platforms to showcase their talents. Small vendors, food stalls, and regional product makers will get a chance to serve millions of visitors. The surrounding villages and towns will see increased property values, better schools, healthcare access, and roads.
The project recently gained momentum after Chief Minister Saini met with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi. The Centre’s involvement signals strong support and alignment with the national goal of developing world-class tourism infrastructure. The park will likely follow international best practices in construction, safety, environmental standards, and visitor experience, offering India a unique fusion of innovation and tradition. This Disneyland-style park is not just about rides; it’s about a ride into the future. It symbolizes India’s aspirations, Haryana’s leadership, and a generation’s dream of joy and prosperity. For the child clutching a balloon, the couple holding hands on a Ferris wheel, the artist finding an audience, and the worker starting a new life—this park is more than an attraction. It’s a beginning!