NICDC launches cross-learning programme at AURIC Smart City to replicate industrial corridor best practices
New Delhi, July 23
The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation, in collaboration with Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited, on Thursday commenced a two-day cross-learning site visit to the Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area in Maharashtra to facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen institutional capacities and promote best practices in the development of Greenfield industrial smart cities across the country.
The initiative has brought together senior officials from state governments, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Programme Managers for New Cities (PMNCs), EPC contractors and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and share best practices in the planning, implementation and operation of Greenfield industrial smart cities.
Addressing the participants, NICDC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Rajat Kumar Saini said AURIC has emerged as a benchmark for integrated industrial city development under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).
He said the project demonstrates how world-class infrastructure, investor-centric planning, technology-enabled governance and multimodal connectivity can help build globally competitive manufacturing ecosystems.
Saini also stressed the need to provide Special Purpose Vehicles with greater planning flexibility to enable efficient land utilisation, infrastructure optimisation and future expansion.
He added that cross-learning initiatives play a key role in replicating successful implementation models across industrial corridor projects.
During the first day of the programme, participants were given an overview of AURIC's planning framework and integrated infrastructure.
The visit included presentations on the development of the Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area, demonstrations of digital planning and monitoring systems, and site visits to operational industrial units, utility infrastructure, connectivity projects and industrial development facilities.
The programme also featured discussions on integrated master planning, project implementation, land utilisation, investor facilitation, digital governance and project monitoring.
Participants exchanged experiences on improving coordination among implementing agencies and accelerating infrastructure development across industrial corridors.
The visit included deliberations on the implementation framework of the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA), NICDC's flagship initiative to develop world-class plug-and-play industrial parks across the country.
Participants discussed how AURIC's experience in integrated planning, digital governance, utility infrastructure and investor facilitation could be leveraged for projects being developed under the scheme.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice initiative but I hope the learnings aren't just limited to PowerPoint presentations and site visits. Ground-level implementation is where the real challenge lies—especially land acquisition and local community engagement. Let's see how BHAVYA scheme benefits from this.
Great to see NICDC taking proactive steps! AURIC is indeed a benchmark—world-class infrastructure with multimodal connectivity. But I hope these so-called 'smart cities' don't become islands of development while surrounding areas remain neglected. Inclusive growth should be the mantra. 🇮🇳
As someone who's worked on urban planning in India, this cross-learning model is exactly what we need. The emphasis on digital governance and integrated planning is crucial. Hope the private sector is also looped in—they bring agility that government projects often lack.
AURIC is a good model but let's not forget the human element. Industrial corridors should also focus on skilling local youth and providing affordable housing for workers. Just building fancy infrastructure isn't enough—we need inclusive development that benefits everyone.
BHAVYA scheme sounds promising but execution is key. Remember how many SEZs were announced but never took off? Hope NICDC ensures proper monitoring and accountability. Cross-learning is good but only if followed by rigorous implementation timelines.
L We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.