Uttar Pradesh, often called the heartland of India, is now stepping into a new era of industrial growth. The state is developing a Defence Corridor. Uttar Pradesh Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) is working at a fast pace towards making the country self-reliant in the field of production. Six nodes of the Defense Industrial Corridor are being established in the state in Agra, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Chitrakoot and Jhansi.
Defence corridor in UP
Defence corridor in UP is an ambitious project aims to boost the local economy. It also aims to make India more self-reliant in defence production. Let’s dive into the details of this important initiative. The way has been cleared for an investment of Rs 25,000 crore in the nodes, which will create employment for 40,000 youth.
What is a Defence Corridor?
A Defence Corridor is a specific area where industries related to defence can set up their facilities. This includes manufacturing units, research labs, and training canters. The goal is to create a hub for defence production. This helps in reducing dependency on foreign countries for defence equipment. It also creates jobs and supports local businesses.
The Birth of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor
The idea of a Defence Corridor in Uttar Pradesh was announced by the Government of India in 2018. This was part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The aim is to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. Uttar Pradesh was chosen due to its strategic location and vast industrial potential.
Locations in the Corridor
The Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor is spread across six cities. These cities are Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Kanpur, and Lucknow. Each city has a specific role in the corridor.
So far 154 MoUs have been signed for UPDIC, out of which 129 are industrial and 25 are institutional. Apart from this, 87 MoUs are being evaluated. More than 1,600 hectares of land has been acquired by UPDA so far, out of which 700 hectares of land has been allotted to 42 industrial groups. These industrial groups are investing Rs 8,000 crore.
Defence Corridor Aligarh
Known for its lock industry, Aligarh is focusing on small arms manufacturing. More than 90 hectares of land has been acquired in Aligarh node. Maximum land has been allotted to 23 companies in Aligarh. Encore Research Labs LLP and Amitech Electronics Limited in Aligarh is setting up plants for defense equipment. Production has already started by Amitech in Aligarh.
Defence Corridor Agra
Famous for its leather industry, Agra is developing facilities for defence equipment. Land acquisition work has not been completed in Agra yet. More than 90 hectares of land is required here too. Land has not yet been allotted to companies in Chitrakoot and Agra
Defence Corridor Jhansi
In Defence Corridor in UP , Jhansi is a historic city, Jhansi is focusing on the production of vehicles and artillery. The maximum land of one thousand hectares acquired by UPDA for the corridor is in Jhansi node. Land has been made available to eight companies in Jhansi. Bharat Dynamics in Jhansi is setting up plants for defense equipment. Apart from this, land has been allotted to Global Engineers Limited, Ferrettro Private Limited, WB Electronics India Private Limited and MSME of the Central Government in Jhansi.
Defence Corridor Chitrakoot
In Defence Corridor in UP, Chitrakoot is spiritual city is working on defence electronics. 100 hectares of land has been acquired in Chitrakoot. Land has not yet been allotted to companies in Chitrakoot .
Defence Corridor Kanpur
In Defence Corridor in UP ,Kanpur Known for its leather and textile industry, Kanpur is developing a defence park. 200 hectares of land has been acquired in Kanpur node. Land has been made available to five in Kanpur. Adani Defense System and Technology Limited and Modern Material and Science Private Limited in Kanpur are setting up plants for defense equipment. Production has already started by Adani Group and Modern Material and Science in Kanpur.
Defence Corridor Lucknow
In Defence Corridor in UP Lucknow The state capital is focusing on aerospace and defence manufacturing. 160 hectares of land has been acquired in Lucknow. Land has been made available to six in Lucknow . Companies like Brahmos Aerospace and Airali Technologies Limited in Lucknow.
Key Objectives
The Defence Corridor has several key objectives:
Boosting Local Economy
By attracting defence industries, the corridor aims to boost the local economy. This will create jobs and support small businesses.
Self-Reliance in Defence
One of the main goals is to make India self-reliant in defence production. By producing equipment locally, India can reduce its dependency on imports.
Encouraging Innovation
The corridor aims to encourage innovation in defence technology. This includes research and development of new products.
Skill Development
Training centres and institutes will be set up to develop skilled manpower. This will ensure that the workforce is capable of meeting the demands of the defence industry.
Government Support
The Government of India is providing full support for the development of Defence corridor in UP. This includes financial incentives, policy support, and infrastructure development. The government has also set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to oversee the project. The SPV is responsible for land acquisition, development of infrastructure, and attracting investors.
Investments and Opportunities
Defence corridor in UP has already attracted significant investments. Many Indian and foreign companies have shown interest in setting up their units in the corridor. The government is also in talks with several countries for collaboration. This includes technology transfer and joint ventures.
Challenges and Solutions
Like any major project, the Defence Corridor faces several challenges. These include land acquisition, infrastructure development, and skilled manpower. However, the government is taking steps to address these challenges.
Land Acquisition
The government is ensuring that land acquisition is done in a fair and transparent manner. Compensation is provided to landowners. The government is also encouraging voluntary land pooling.
Infrastructure Development
The government is investing in infrastructure development. This includes building roads, power supply, and communication networks. The aim is to provide world-class facilities to industries.
Skilled Manpower
Training centres and institutes are being set up to develop skilled manpower. The government is also collaborating with universities and technical institutes. This will ensure that the workforce is ready to meet the demands of the defence industry.
Impact on Local Communities
Defence corridor in UP is expected to have a positive impact on local communities. It will create jobs and boost the local economy. Small businesses will benefit from increased demand for goods and services. The project will also lead to the development of infrastructure in the region. This includes better roads, power supply, and communication networks.
Environmental Considerations
The government is also ensuring that the development of the Defence Corridor is environmentally sustainable. Industries are required to follow strict environmental guidelines. Measures are being taken to reduce pollution and protect natural resources. The government is also promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
Future Prospects
The future prospects of Defence corridor in UP are promising. The corridor is expected to become a major hub for defence production in India. It will attract investments and create jobs. It will also make India more self-reliant in defence production. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and communities.
In Defence Corridor in UP is a major step towards industrial growth and self-reliance in defence production. It is a part of the larger ‘Make in India’ initiative. The corridor aims to boost the local economy, create jobs, and support small businesses. It also aims to make India more self-reliant in defence production. The government is providing full support for the project. This includes financial incentives, policy support, and infrastructure development. The future prospects of the corridor are promising. It is expected to become a major hub for defence production in India.
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