By Elton Gomes
India is set to get its first integrated industrial city within the next five years. Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), which is estimated to attract investments of over Rs 60,000 crore, will provide job opportunities to 30,000-40,000 people, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
What is the Aurangabad Industrial City?
The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) is one of India’s largest infrastructural programs. The DMIC aims to develop several smart cities that will have the corridor passing through, with AURIC being one of them. The AURIC will be built on the Shendra Bidkin belt in Aurangabad.
As per the city’s official website,“AURIC will offer high-value, sustainable infrastructure that will support long-term economic vitality, a high quality of life, and a knowledge-based ecosystem with breakthrough innovation and efficiency.”
The website further mentioned that infrastructure will focus on clean, reusable, and recyclable methodologies.
AURIC will be based on the outskirts of Aurangabad and will be built on 10,000 acres of land.
The state government and the Centre have approved all clearances for the project. The government is engaged in discussions with 150 investors and vendors from Japan and South Korea,” Fadnavis told the Indian Express.
As of April 11, AURIC’s official website mentioned that 65% of the work for the project has been completed in the Shendra area.
Why is this important?
AURIC’s primary focus will be to promote industries, with 60% of the land dedicated to industrial use. The remaining 40% of the land will be used for residential and commercial purposes, having institutions, open spaces, and other cultural amenities, as reported by the Better India.
Media sources have further reported that AURIC might operate majorly on recycled water. The industrial city will treat sewage and effluent water, so that residents can use the water for other purposes. Roughly 42% of water in AURIC will come through recycled water.
The AURIC plans to instil the concept of “walk to work” which means housing options, workplaces, and shopping centres will be in close proximity to each other. Other than minimising vehicle usage, walking to work or to run errands will promote a healthy lifestyle.
The industrial city of Aurangabad is meant to attract global investors. Most importantly, it is meant to spread to other areas surrounding Marathwada. The tribal belt of Nandurbhar, Nashik, and Dhule will also be developed so as to accelerate growth in the districts.
The building of a smart city for industrial purposes will certainly be of immense help to get more investors, but the government should ensure this development is inclusive and the benefits of the project are widespread to all in society.