Industrial Corridors (ICs) are stretches across the country al | Mains

Industrial Corridors (ICs) are stretches across the country allocated to a specific geographical area with the intent to stimulate industrial development. It aims to create an area with a cluster of manufacturing or other industries and gives an impetus to smart and sustainable cities by leveraging on the high speed, high connectivity transportation system.


The Significance of Industrial Corridors in India

Setting up of industrial townships, educational institutions, roads, railways, airports, hospitals along industrial corridors would generate employment and raise standard of living.

Production costs would come down due to improved transportation system and agglomeration effect, making Indian goods competitive in domestic as well as foreign markets.

Provide necessary logistics infrastructure needed to reap economies of scale, thus enabling firms to focus on their areas of core competence.

People would find job opportunities close to their homes which would curb migration towards cities, thus preventing stress on already burdened urban landscape.

Prevention of concentration of industries in one particular location would prevent exploitation of environment as well as ensure balanced development in the country.

Various Industrial Corridors of India

Delhi – Mumbai Industrial Corridor

Bengaluru – Mumbai Economic Corridor

Chennai – Bengaluru Industrial Corridor

Vizag - Chennai Industrial Corridor

Amritsar – Kolkata Industrial Corridor

The Main Characteristics of Industrial Corridors

Constructed in areas that have pre-existing infrastructure, such as ports, highways and railroads.

Each IC would have 6-8 key nodes developed on Smart City principles.

Dedicated construction of residential areas, public utilities, production units, schools, and hospitals.

Freight cargo would be brought to the industrial corridor via rail and road feeder links that shall provide last mile connectivity.

The challenges while creating ICs would include correctly assessing the demand and viability, transport options for goods and workers, land values, and economic incentives for companies. The economic and financial feasibility of ICs should be ensured by attracting potential investors to set up manufacturing units at National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NMIZs). India will also have to rely on foreign players for innovative technologies. The fundamental focus of ICs should be on improving both Industrial and Urban Infrastructure.