In a significant move to boost industrialisation and infrastructure development in the economically backward Bundelkhand region, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has given the green light to the establishment of the ‘Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority.’
This development aims to replicate the successful model of Noida, work on which began in 1976, and marks a historic decision as the first of its kind in 47 years, a report by the Press Trust of India said.
The state government has already improved road connectivity to the region with the construction of the Bundelkhand Expressway.
The newly formed Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority will be launched under the Bundelkhand Chief Minister Industrial Area Expansion and New Industrial Area Promotion Scheme.
The initial phase of the project will witness the creation of an industrial city by acquiring a vast expanse of 35,000 acres of land from 33 revenue villages in Jhansi. The estimated cost of acquiring this land amounts to Rs 6,312 crore, as confirmed by Khanna.
To facilitate the establishment of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority, the government allocated Rs 5,000 crore in the financial year 2022-23. Additionally, for the year 2023-24, a provision of Rs 5,000 crore in the form of a loan has been made under the Chief Minister Industrial Area Expansion and New Industrial Area Promotion Scheme.
Khanna expressed his optimism regarding this crucial decision, stating, “This is a big decision in itself. I think that the area around Jhansi will be developed on a large scale. It will make a significant contribution to the development of Uttar Pradesh.”
Jhansi’s strategic location as a major railway hub has played a pivotal role in the decision-making process. The acquisition of land along Jhansi-Lalitpur and Jhansi-Gwalior roads reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring efficient connectivity and fostering industrial growth in the region.