Centre pushes faster execution of industrial corridors, BHAVYA parks

The Union government has directed faster implementation of industrial corridor projects, prioritising land allotment and production start-up. At the third meeting of the Apex Monitoring Authority of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust in New Delhi, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the focus should shift from approvals to timely completion of infrastructure and mobilisation of investment. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal stressed the need for investor-ready, plug-and-play industrial ecosystems.

The government reviewed the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, which now has 20 approved projects across 13 states. The authority also examined the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana, which aims to develop 100 investment-ready parks. The first round received 87 applications from states for up to 20 projects. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav presented 11 park proposals covering 9,047 acres with a combined cost of Rs 8,144.35 crore, aiming to establish the state as an industrial hub. He also highlighted special facilities for women workers, including hostels with day-care centres and CCTV security.

Sitharaman called for integrated planning through PM GatiShakti and stressed that worker housing, healthcare and other social amenities must be part of industrial development. Niti Aayog vice-chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri urged greater powers for project special purpose vehicles to reduce dependence on multiple state agencies. Ports minister Sarbananda Sonowal suggested integrating national waterways with industrial corridors and developing infrastructure in the northeast.