UPDIC Poised to Make India ‘Atmanirbhar’ in Defence Production

• 15 Feb 2024

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) is attracting investments of ₹24,510.60 crore and aims to generate 41,667 employment opportunities.

Key Points

• Major companies like BrahMos Aerospace, Tata Technologies, and Adani Defence Systems have proposed investments in the corridor.
• UPDIC is witnessing significant progress, attracting major investments and demonstrating commitment to make India ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) in the defence and aerospace sector.
• 34 investment projects worth ₹3585.85 crore are ready to be included in the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony.
  • These projects are spread across Aligarh, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow nodes of the defence industrial corridor and would generate over 8,530 employment opportunities.
• The Government of UP is investing in developing basic infrastructure across nodes, creating a conducive environment for investors.
  • IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi have been nominated as Centres of Excellence, conducting research and filling critical R&D gaps.
• UPDIC is transforming the State into a major hub for defence and aerospace manufacturing, contributing to India’s self-reliance and economic growth.
  • It has collaborated with financial institutions to offer customized loans and cater to the specific needs of MSMEs and start-ups in the defence and aerospace sector.

Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC)

• It is an aspirational project that intends to reduce foreign dependence on the Indian Aerospace & Defence Sector. It was inaugurated in 2018.
• The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) was made the nodal agency to execute this project in conjunction with various other state agencies.