"Agra and Prayagraj IMCs Will Position Uttar Pradesh as India's Premier Manufacturing and Logistics Hub"

In an exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld's Ruhail Amin, Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) CEO MAYUR MAHESHWARI discusses the strategic development of Integrated Manufacturing Clusters in Agra and Prayagraj, the state's vision to become a leader in industrial growth

- Ruhail Amin

The Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) is poised to be a game-changer for Uttar Pradesh. How does UPSIDA envision leveraging this initiative to transform the industrial landscape?

The AKIC spans Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, leveraging the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) as its backbone. In Uttar Pradesh, UPSIDA is developing Integrated Manufacturing Clusters (IMCs) in Agra (1,059 acres) and Prayagraj (352 acres). These clusters aim to transform the state into a premier manufacturing and logistics hub by enhancing multi-modal connectivity and attracting global and domestic investments.

Key priorities include workforce skill development, MSME support, and robust infrastructure to bridge urban-rural divides and promote regional equity. Aligned with initiatives like Make in India and PM Gati Shakti, AKIC focuses on boosting exports, creating jobs, and fostering sustainability to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s global industrial competitiveness.

With IMC Agra and IMC Prayagraj as flagship projects under AKIC, what specific strategies are being employed to ensure these clusters attract investors?