India may soon welcome one of the world’s leading entertainment giants, as Universal Studios is in advanced discussions with Bharti Real Estate to establish its first indoor amusement park in the country. The proposed venue is set to be part of a massive 3-million-square-foot retail development near Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, scheduled to open by mid-2027.
Universal Studios, known for its world-renowned theme parks in the United States, Japan, Singapore, and China, has been exploring opportunities to expand into untapped markets. India, with its growing urban population and rising demand for experiential entertainment, offers a promising landscape. Bharti Real Estate has confirmed that discussions are ongoing with international players and that approximately 3,00,000 square feet—10 per cent of the mall’s leasable space—has been set aside for a global entertainment park. While the company has not officially named Universal Studios, industry insiders suggest the deal is nearing finalisation.
Part of India’s Largest Mixed-Use Development
The amusement park is one component of Bharti’s expansive 17-million-square-foot Aerocity development, which is poised to become India’s largest. Of this, 6.5 million sq ft is currently under construction, supported by an investment of over INR 6,595 crore. Once completed, the project is expected to generate more than INR 5,000 crore in annual rental income, transforming the area into a major retail and leisure destination.
Indoor Entertainment on the Rise in India
India’s indoor entertainment sector is experiencing rapid growth. At present, the country has around 6.6 million sq ft of operational indoor entertainment space, spread across 523 centres. This number is projected to increase to 11 million square feet by 2028, driven by the growth of organised retail, large-format malls, and evolving consumer preferences.
Despite its potential, the sector remains fragmented and is largely dominated by unorganised domestic operators. International brands like Timezone, Funcity, and Funtura currently hold just 28 per cent of the market. Most existing venues focus on arcade and gaming zones, but interest in new experiences such as trampoline parks, virtual reality arenas, and immersive storytelling environments is on the rise.
A Potential Shift in India’s Leisure Landscape
If finalised, the entry of Universal Studios would be a significant development for India’s entertainment industry. It would bring a new level of sophistication and global appeal to the indoor amusement park segment, especially within the context of premium malls and mixed-use developments.
Such a move could also serve as a catalyst for further international investment in the sector, setting new benchmarks for design, safety, and visitor experience. While an official announcement from Universal Studios is still awaited, anticipation is building around what could be one of the most exciting additions to India’s leisure and tourism offerings in years.
Source: Outlook Traveller
