Establishing the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor: A Boon for India's Aerospace and Defence Sector
Introduction
India’s aerospace and defence market is rapidly growing, with a projected requirement of over USD 250 billion by 2025. To seize this economic opportunity and achieve self-reliance in the sector, the Indian government announced the establishment of two Defence industrial corridors in the Union Budget of 2018-19. One of these corridors, the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UP DIC), aims to reduce foreign dependency in the Indian Aerospace and Defence Sector. Let’s explore the advantages of Uttar Pradesh and the milestones achieved in this ambitious project.
Advantage uttar pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, the fourth largest state in India and the third largest economy, boasts a population of over 200 million people. With the highest number of available labor force and ranking among the top five manufacturing states in India, UP offers immense potential. The state also leads in the number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UP DIC):
The UP DIC spans across six strategic nodes, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh, and Chitrakoot. These nodes are strategically located across the Central, East, and West regions of Uttar Pradesh, connected by major expressways such as the Yamuna Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Gorakhpur Link Expressway, and Ganga Expressway.
Milestones Achieved:
The progress of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor has been remarkable, marked by several significant milestones:
Establishment of Centers of Excellence: Government-approved Center of Excellence related to the Defence Industrial Corridor has been set up at renowned institutions such as IIT Kanpur and IIT Banaras Hindu University Varanasi. These centers have received substantial funding for research and development initiatives.
Uttar Pradesh Defence and Aerospace Unit and Employment Promotion Policy: The Government of Uttar Pradesh has published the Uttar Pradesh Defence and Aerospace Unit and Employment Promotion Policy (First Amendment) 2019. This policy aims to attract investments to the UP DIC and foster growth in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Streamlined Land Allotment Procedures: Guidelines and procedures for the allotment of industrial plots in the Defence Corridor have been published. These measures ensure a seamless process for acquiring land, facilitating the establishment of manufacturing units at various nodes.
MoUs and Collaborations: UPEIDA has signed 32 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various companies to establish manufacturing units within the UP DIC. Land allotment processes have already begun for nodes in Aligarh and Kanpur. Furthermore, a significant MoU was signed between UPEIDA and the Indian Navy to promote collaboration in problem-solving, finding solutions, and manufacturing through the Indian industry.
Concluusion
The establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor represents a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sectors. With its advantageous demographics, strategic location, and supportive government policies, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a manufacturing hub and generate employment opportunities. The milestones achieved so far, including the establishment of Centers of Excellence and successful collaborations, highlight the corridor’s potential for growth and development. The UP DIC promises to strengthen India’s defence capabilities while bolstering its economy through indigenous production and reduced dependency on foreign imports.