The government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has acquired nearly 1,000 hectares for large-scale industrial development in Agra to transform the city into an eco-friendly manufacturing hub.
The state launched an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Agra, which aims to promote non-polluting industries, capitalizing on the city’s rich heritage in leather, footwear and agricultural products. The government wants to leverage its strategic location and modern infrastructure.
The project includes smart bus stops equipped with a mobile application for citizens, digital signage, solar panels and Wi-Fi spots for integrated utility management.
For environmental monitoring, an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) with an air quality monitor has been installed at IMC Agra.
The project will be anchored by the UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA). Its Chief Executive Officer, Mayur Maheshwari, said Agra’s commitment to environmental protection, particularly within the protected Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), makes it ideal for eco-friendly industrial activities.
TTZ covers approximately 10,400 square kilometres (km) and surrounds the iconic Taj Mahal. It was established to protect the monument from pollution caused by emissions from nearby industries.
The government expects IMC to promote cooperation within the sector and utilise the skilled workforce in the region.
“IMC Agra will also benefit from UP’s extensive highway network, improving logistics and reducing travel time, making it even more attractive for investors,” Maheshwari noted.
IMC Agra is located 22 km from New Tundla Station, near the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The upcoming Jewar International Airport will be 140 km away via the Agra-Greater Noida Yamuna Expressway, providing air connectivity for valuable cargo and access for business travellers.
Furthermore, the proposed National Waterway-110 (NW-110) would also be nearby, with the freight terminal in the village of Samogar Mustakil just one kilometre away. This would provide a viable alternative for freight, and further enhance the region’s logistical capabilities by connecting to the railway network.
First publication: 02 Sep 2024 | 23:50 IST