"Initiatives Underway to Establish Industrial City in Bundelkhand Resembling Noida"

"The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated plans to establish new industrial, residential, and commercial townships in the Bundelkhand region, following the model of Noida. Similar to the establishment of the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) in the 1970s, the Yogi Adityanath government has introduced the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) centered in Jhansi. The government aims to attract substantial private and public investments once the basic infrastructure is in place.

The initial phase of development involves acquiring over 35,000 acres of land valued at more than Rs 6,000 crore, spanning 33 revenue villages in the Jhansi district. Land acquisition is set to commence shortly, with a focus on industrial development at the core of BIDA's objectives, contributing to the state's target of achieving a 1 trillion dollar economy. An allocation of Rs 8,000 crore has been set aside for land acquisition, with approximately Rs. 5,000 crore earmarked for BIDA.

Two other major projects, the Bundelkhand Expressway and UP Defence Corridor, with nodes in Jhansi and Chitrakoot districts, are expected to play a crucial role in establishing BIDA as a significant industrial hub in North India. The Bundelkhand region spans across seven districts in UP and six districts in MP, covering nearly 69,000 square kilometers.

The maiden board meeting of BIDA recently took place in Jhansi, focusing on land acquisition and the hiring of a global consultant to prepare a master plan for the development of industrial and commercial enclaves. The Uttar Pradesh government envisions BIDA replicating the success story of Noida, providing a boost to industrial growth in the region.

Additionally, the UP government is exploring the development of new townships on the outskirts of major urban centers to alleviate congestion in major cities and offer affordable housing solutions."

BS