Context:
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has recently approved the acquisition of over 56,600 acres of land in the Bundelkhand region.
More on News:
- This vast area will be developed as part of a broader industrialization initiative aimed at transforming Bundelkhand into a thriving economic hub.
- The land acquisition process, spearheaded by the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA), is set to play a pivotal role in driving both local and national economic growth.
The Role of Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA)
- The acquisition of land is part of the comprehensive development plan spearheaded by the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA).
- As of now, nearly 22,000 acres, constituting approximately 40% of the designated land, has already been acquired, primarily in the Jhansi district.
- Jhansi, being the most prominent hub in the Bundelkhand region, will serve as the epicenter of this industrial transformation.
- BIDA’s development plan aims to emulate the success stories of cities like Noida and Greater Noida, positioning Bundelkhand as a future “investment magnet” on the national and international stage.
- This plan will ensure that Bundelkhand attracts significant investment in sectors such as manufacturing, IT, logistics, and infrastructure.
Key Infrastructure Developments for BIDA
- Airport Development: A new airport will be constructed to facilitate easy access and transport for both local and international businesses.
- Expressway and Railway Station: An integrated transport network will be established, connecting Bundelkhand to major industrial corridors across the country. This will include an expressway and a modern railway station, facilitating the swift movement of goods and people.
- Truck Terminal and Multimodal Logistics Park: To support manufacturing and export activities, a state-of-the-art truck terminal and a logistics park will be developed, easing the transportation of goods.
- IT Parks and Industrial Zones: The establishment of information technology (IT) parks and dedicated industrial zones will attract global businesses, particularly in high-tech sectors.
National Connectivity and Future Investment Prospects
- As part of the overarching strategy to integrate Bundelkhand into the national economic framework, the state government has proposed several national-level infrastructure projects:
- Agra–Gwalior Greenfield Expressway Extension: The extension of this expressway to BIDA and Jhansi is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Bundelkhand and other major economic regions in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
- Delhi-Nagpur Industrial Corridor: The development of an industrial corridor connecting Delhi and Nagpur, with a node in Bundelkhand, will further align the region with India’s industrial growth map.
BIDA Master Plan 2045:
- The BIDA Master Plan 2045 envisions the development of 253 square kilometers of land, which will be utilized for various purposes:
Strategic Significance:
- Another important facet of Bundelkhand’s industrial development is its inclusion in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).
- Jhansi is one of the six nodes of the UPDIC, alongside Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Aligarh, and Chitrakoot.
- The defence corridor’s expansion will further boost industrial activities in Bundelkhand, with a focus on defence manufacturing and allied sectors.
