Centre to Invest ₹4,500 Crore to Modernise SCL Mohali, Says Vaishnaw

Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the government will allocate ₹4,500 crore to upgrade the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, marking a major step forward in India’s semiconductor ambitions. The investment aims to modernise the facility’s manufacturing capabilities, accelerate indigenous chip production, and position India as a competitive player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

SCL Mohali — one of India’s oldest semiconductor fabs — currently focuses on strategic chips for space, defence, and research applications. With the new funding, the centre will undergo a complete technology overhaul, including advanced cleanroom infrastructure, upgraded lithography tools, and enhanced fabrication processes aligned with modern semiconductor standards.

Vaishnaw emphasized that the upgrade is part of the government’s long-term semiconductor strategy, which includes building a comprehensive ecosystem spanning design, talent development, manufacturing, and packaging. He said the renewed SCL will also serve as a training hub for future semiconductor engineers, supporting India’s goal of reducing import dependency.

The minister reiterated that India’s semiconductor roadmap is progressing with strong partnerships, policy support, and investments under the India Semiconductor Mission. The SCL upgrade, he noted, will strengthen the nation’s ability to develop secure, high-quality chips for critical sectors and lay the foundation for next-generation domestic semiconductor production.