Reliance will also provide high-tech infrastructure and labs for pharma majors, especially companies which have an export focus.

Major clients

Ranbaxy is among Reliance's stated targets as a potential client.

Its new R&D facility in Gurgaon is ideally placed, close to the Haryana SEZ, and RIL hopes that the phrama major will use its facilities for its future expansion plans.

Ranbaxy's sister concern, healthcare major Fortis also has big expansion plans in Haryana. The company it feels that the high quality infrastructure in RIL's SEZ could turn the region into the new destination for medical tourism in India.

Analysts also say that though many healthcare companies or hospitals have similar plans of capacity building, Reliance could change the rules of the game in the sector.

"It will be great for medical tourism. SEZs will also improve infrastructure like airports, hotels and service apartments in the vicinity. Real estate will attract the maximum players," said Angshuman Magazine, MD-South Asia, CB Richard Ellis.

For a company that has made its money in oil and gas, RIL seems to be now targeting something different, yet potentially very profitable.