Nandi reviews Jhansi defencecorridor, seeks faster progress

times news network

Jhansi: Uttar Pradesh industrial development minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi on Sunday reviewed the progress of the ambitious defence corridor and Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) projects in Jhansi, directing officials to accelerate land acquisition and infrastructure development works to ensure timely completion.

After chairing a high-level review meeting of BIDA projects, the minister conducted a site inspection of the “General Bipin Rawat Defence Industrial Corridor Jhansi Node” being developed in Garotha tehsil near Erich. Additional chief secretary,
infrastructure and industrial development, Alok Kumar accompanied him during the inspection.

Officials informed the minister that nearly Rs 360 crore worth projects for laying of internal roads, drainage systems and construction of boundary walls were progressing at the defence corridor site. The minister inspected the ongoing work and instructed agencies to maintain quality standards while speeding up execution.

The minister also reviewed the construction activities being undertaken by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which is developing a major defence manufacturing facility at an estimated cost of around Rs 400 crore over nearly 450 acres. BDL officials stated that 28 buildings, including administrative blocks, guest houses, canteens, substations, storage facilities and production units, are under construction and most structural work has already been completed.

According to officials, the Jhansi node is set to house several major defence manufacturing units, including facilities for anti-tank missiles, composite explosives and missile propulsion systems. The minister was informed that missile components manufactured at the facility would be sent to Hyderabad for final assembly. Officials also claimed that the Jhansi defence corridor would host the world’s largest explosive manufacturing unit.

During the BIDA review meeting, officials said that more than 25,700 acres of land had already been acquired across several villages, while the remaining acquisition process would be expedited after completion of rate determination. Discussions were also held regarding the proposed 30 MLD water supply project, 132 KV transmission line and other infrastructure works linked to the industrial region.

CEO BIDA Sanjay Khatri and divisional commissioner Bimal Kumar Dubey gave a deep briefing over the recent developments taken in BIDA.

The minister directed officials to complete pending land acquisition and infrastructure projects within stipulated timelines and emphasised skill development programmes for local youth and farmers so they could benefit from employment and self-employment opportunities generated by upcoming industrial investments in Bundelkhand.