In a major boost to Maharashtra’s industrial and innovation landscape, a 20,000 square foot Skill Development Centre will soon come up at Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC). The project is being developed in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expected to be signed next week.
The announcement was made by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), during his visit to the region on July 12. The centre aims to equip the workforce with industry-relevant skills to support AURIC’s mission of becoming a leading hub for advanced manufacturing, research, and innovation.
DPIIT Focuses on Driving Innovation-Led Growth
During his visit, Shri Bhatia stressed the importance of attracting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and establishing Research & Development (R&D) units in AURIC. He emphasized that such developments are key pillars of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, aimed at making India an innovation-driven economy.
His visit included a tour of critical infrastructure and industrial units at Bidkin and Shendra. Companies such as JSW Green-tech Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar, NLMK India, Hyosung T&D, and Coatall Films were among the units he inspected. Shri Bhatia also visited the Water Treatment Plant, Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), and the 3D City Model of Shendra, noting the city’s smart planning and infrastructure readiness.
Stakeholder Consultations Yield Key Industrial Suggestions
A stakeholder consultation session at AURIC Hall saw representatives from prominent industry associations—including CII, MASSIA, CMIA, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM—presenting several policy suggestions aimed at accelerating regional industrial growth. Some of the major proposals included:
- Improved connectivity to Hyderabad and Chennai
- A new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility
- Vande Bharat terminal at Bidkin and enhanced logistics access
- Local train service between Jalna and Waluj
- Affordable housing via MHADA with integration into PMAY 2.0
- Creation of a chemical manufacturing zone
- Increased MSME land allocation from 10% to 40%
- Reserving 10% of land exclusively for startups
- Strengthening soft infrastructure and skill development programs
Dr. P. Anbalagan, Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra, shared insights into the State’s industrial strategy, highlighting initiatives like the Maharashtra Industrial Township Ltd (MITL) and the upcoming Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP).
Focus on Startups and Entrepreneurship
Shri Bhatia began his visit with a stop at the Marathwada Accelerator for Growth and Incubation Council (MAGIC), where he engaged with local startups and incubators. Applauding the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, he assured continued government support through initiatives like Startup India, the Fund of Funds, and incentive packages designed for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
About AURIC: India’s First Industrial Smart City
Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), spans 10,000 acres across the Shendra and Bidkin regions. Designed as a model smart industrial city, AURIC follows a balanced land-use ratio with 60% of its area earmarked for industrial purposes and 40% for residential, commercial, and institutional zones.
Key features of AURIC include:
- Smart utility infrastructure with underground distribution systems
- Reuse of treated wastewater, covering 42% of water demand
- Transparent land allotment through an e-land management system
- In-house electricity distribution license ensuring competitive power tariffs
- Integrated surveillance and environmental monitoring systems including SCADA and air quality sensors
Moving Ahead: A Unified Vision for Growth
The DPIIT Secretary’s visit marked a strong reaffirmation of the Centre and State’s commitment to accelerating industrial development in Maharashtra. With a strategic focus on skilling, innovation, and infrastructure, AURIC is steadily positioning itself as a global destination for high-tech manufacturing and industrial excellence.
