Khurpia Farm in Uttarakhand to be Transformed into a Smart Industrial City
The Khurpia farm in Kichha, located in the Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand is set to be transformed into a smart industrial city under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor. This ambitious project, with an estimated investment of Rs 6,180 crore, will cover an expansive area of 1,002 acres and is anticipated to create direct employment for approximately 75,000 individuals. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in the industrial development of Uttarakhand, especially with its focus on establishing Khurpia as an automobile hub, alongside industries related to engineering and fabrication.
Strategic Development and Economic Impact
The project's green light was announced by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during a virtual press conference, where he highlighted the potential of Khurpia’s industrial smart city to significantly enhance the manufacturing capabilities and overall economic growth of Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami echoed these sentiments, noting that this development would play a crucial role in advancing the state's economic infrastructure.
Strategically located just 18 km from Rudrapur, Khurpia farm benefits from excellent connectivity by air, rail, and road, which adds to its attractiveness as a site for industrial investment. The proximity to other industrial areas like Pantnagar, Rudrapur, and Kashipur further bolsters the potential for economic synergy in the region, as these areas are expected to benefit from the enhanced industrial activities that will arise from the establishment of this new industrial zone.
Investment and Infrastructure Plans
The estimated cost for setting up the industrial hub within Khurpia alone is pegged at Rs 1,265 crore, indicating a substantial financial commitment toward developing state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. The project is part of a broader vision to integrate industrial development within the framework of national industrial corridors, which are designed to spur economic growth through the creation of specialized industrial zones across the country.
The decision to transfer the land in Khurpia farm to the State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL) underscores the government's commitment to ensuring that the project moves forward without unnecessary delays. District Magistrate Udayraj Singh emphasized that this land transfer is a critical step toward actualizing the smart industrial city, which is expected to offer substantial employment opportunities for the local population and foster regional economic development.
Local Reception and Benefits
The announcement of the industrial city's development has been met with enthusiasm by local stakeholders, including business leaders and public representatives. They have expressed pride in the selection of Khurpia for this significant project, highlighting the widespread benefits it is expected to bring not only to the residents of the area but also to neighboring states. The anticipated influx of 75,000 people for employment opportunities will likely lead to a demographic shift, with accompanying economic benefits as these workers and their families contribute to the local economy.
Local traders have also emphasized the potential for economic growth, noting that the arrival of such a large workforce would undoubtedly boost the local economy, increasing demand for housing, services, and infrastructure. The project is seen as a transformative initiative that will propel Kichha, once a British-era tehsil with limited recognition, into a significant hub of industrial and economic activity.
Political Endorsements and Future Prospects
Political figures from both major parties have welcomed the project. Congress MLA Tilak Raj Behar praised the initiative, pointing out that it will drive development and generate numerous employment opportunities, effectively reshaping the economic landscape of the city. Former BJP MLA Rajesh Shukla also lauded the project, noting that the foundation for this industrial city was laid during the tenure of the previous government under the Chief Minister’s leadership. He emphasized that Khurpia's inclusion in the National Industrial Corridor Policy is a matter of great pride for the state.
Beyond the industrial city, Khurpia is also witnessing other development projects that are expected to further enhance the region's infrastructure. These include the construction of a satellite All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on 100 acres, a modern degree college on 14 acres, and a roadways bus stand on 3.5 acres. These developments signify a comprehensive approach to regional growth, with a focus on both industrial and social infrastructure.
Way Forward
With substantial investment, strategic location, and strong political support, the project is poised to bring about significant economic benefits, not only to the region but to the state and neighboring areas as well. The project reflects the government's broader vision of integrating industrial development with regional growth, positioning Khurpia as a new hub of industrial and economic activity in the coming years.
