New Delhi/Patna: Bihar has secured investment proposals worth Rs 125 crore in its footwear and leather sector at the 10th India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) 2026, as the state stepped up efforts to position itself as an emerging manufacturing hub for the industry.
At a state-focused session titled “Bihar: The Next Frontier of Global Footwear Manufacturing”, government officials, industry leaders and investors discussed the state’s industrial policies, infrastructure and investment opportunities. The projects announced during the event are expected to generate around 1,800 direct jobs.
Bihar Showcases Investment Potential
The session highlighted Bihar’s industrial policies, availability of land, logistics network, connectivity and expanding industrial infrastructure before domestic and international investors.
The event began with the inauguration of the Bihar pavilion, followed by discussions on the state’s preparedness to attract investments in the footwear and leather sector.
Industries and Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh invited businesses to invest in Bihar, saying the state now offers a combination of policy reforms, improved infrastructure, skilled manpower and strong connectivity that makes it an attractive destination for manufacturers.
Industries Secretary Kundan Kumar outlined the state’s incentive schemes, industrial land availability, logistics network and measures introduced to simplify the investment process. He said the government remained committed to providing faster approvals and modern industrial infrastructure for investors.
Muzaffarpur Leather Park Highlighted
During the session, officials showcased the Mega Leather, Footwear and Accessories Park at Mahwal in Muzaffarpur, where industrial plots are being offered on lease alongside plug-and-play facilities available on a monthly rental basis.
The government said the park is intended to provide a ready manufacturing ecosystem for footwear and leather companies while encouraging large-scale industrial production in Bihar.
Manoj Kumar Singh, Resident Commissioner of Bihar Bhawan, said the Delhi-based institution had become an important link between the state government and prospective investors, helping facilitate new industrial projects.
Meanwhile, Vivek Sharma, Managing Director of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), stressed the importance of skill development, design and technological innovation in strengthening India’s global competitiveness. He said Bihar has significant potential to develop a skilled workforce for the footwear industry.
Two MoUs Worth Rs 125 Crore Signed
The Bihar government signed two investment agreements during the event.
The largest proposal, worth Rs 100 crore, was signed with Lehar Footwear Private Limited. The project is expected to generate around 1,500 direct jobs while expanding footwear manufacturing in the state.
A second Rs 25 crore investment proposal was signed with Patna Leather Garment, which is expected to create around 300 direct employment opportunities. The agreement follows an MoU executed in Patna on July 30, signed by Mukul Kumar Gupta, Director of Industries, Government of Bihar, and Md Mushahid Raza Khan, Partner at Patna Leather Garment.
Officials said the investments would also create opportunities for component manufacturing, raw material suppliers, logistics providers, skill development institutions and other ancillary industries.
Industry Shares Positive Experience
Representatives from companies already operating in Bihar described the state’s investment climate as increasingly favourable.
Dhanesh Prasad, Managing Director of Competence Exports, and Jaykant, Director of Comfy Footwear, said government support and industry-friendly policies had improved the ease of setting up manufacturing operations in the state.
National Footwear Industry Meets In New Delhi
The three-day India International Footwear Fair 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, brought together footwear manufacturers, exporters, buyers and technology providers from India and abroad.
The event was inaugurated by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, who urged the industry to adopt modern manufacturing technologies, promote technical textiles and take advantage of government incentive schemes to strengthen exports.
Officials said Bihar’s participation in the fair helped showcase the state’s growing industrial capabilities and investment opportunities, with the newly announced projects marking another step towards expanding its footwear and leather manufacturing ecosystem.
