Kanpur’s district magistrate, Jitendra Pratap Singh, announced on Wednesday that efforts are ongoing to activate the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). This initiative aims to enhance Kanpur’s role as a key player in the defence manufacturing sector. The administration is committed to implementing continuous measures to solidify the city’s position in this strategic industry.
Addressing the Kanpur Regional Defence Workshop, Singh said Kanpur, popularly known as the “Manchester of the East”, had all the potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading centres for defence manufacturing. Singh said development of the defence corridor could not be limited to setting up factories and large industrial structures. He stressed the need for a comprehensive industrial ecosystem comprising modern infrastructure, skilled manpower, technology, research facilities and other support systems required to sustain defence manufacturing and attract investments.
Uttar Pradesh Aims to Become Defence Manufacturing Hub
MP Ramesh Awasthi announced plans to transform Uttar Pradesh into a significant centre for weapons and defence equipment manufacturing. The initiative involves collaboration with institutions like IIT Kanpur and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to leverage science, research, and emerging technologies throughout the corridor.
A recent workshop convened stakeholders from the government, defence production sector, research institutions, and the MSME sector to develop a strategic roadmap aimed at redefining Kanpur’s industrial landscape.
Awasthi highlighted that approximately 56% of Uttar Pradesh’s population consists of working-age youth, presenting a substantial manpower advantage. The workshop underscored the necessity to equip this workforce with skills tailored to the defence industry’s specific needs.
Major General PK Saini from the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers noted that improved access to shared testing facilities could help Kanpur-based companies navigate existing challenges and enhance their role in the defence supply chain.