Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, visited the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) Shendra developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) on the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti on February 19, 2025.
He also visited various operational industries at AURIC Shendra viz. Coatall Films Pvt Ltd, Inox Air Products, and Umasons Auto Compo Pvt. and appreciated the efforts being made by these units to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting AURIC’s global competitiveness, the Minister emphasized that Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area stands as India’s premier large-scale greenfield industrial smart city, in terms of world-class infrastructure with plug-n-play infrastructure and futuristic urban planning with walk-to-work facilities.
The Minister highlighted that 20 such Industrial Smart Cities are being developed by Govt of India under the NICDP which reaffirms the Modi government’s commitment to creating an advanced industrial ecosystem that caters to global investors and businesses.
Recognizing the critical need for a dedicated skill development center in AURIC, the Minister endorsed the establishment of a Skill & Job Centre in collaboration with industry stakeholders. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been urged to take the lead in setting up this center, which will be strategically housed within 20,000 sq. ft. of office space at AURIC Hall.
Shri Goyal appreciated Maharashtra for actively promoting investments across various sectors, making it a favourable destination for businesses and investors. Investors looking at Maharashtra can benefit from its proactive Government policies, strategic location, skilled workforce, and a strong Industrial base.
Shri Goyal further emphasized the Government's commitment towards fostering a robust Industrial ecosystem that supports innovation, sustainable growth, and global competitiveness. He highlighted the pivotal role of Industry stakeholders in achieving the nation's ambitious Vision of a Developed Nation @ 2047.
On the sidelines, the Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on 20th Feb 2025 also undertook an aerial survey of the upcoming Dighi Port Industrial Area (DPIA) under NICDP approved by GoI in Aug 2024 and nearby critical multimodal connectivity.
The Minister was briefed on the advanced trunk infrastructure, integrated master planning, demand assessment, target sectors, and implementation timelines at DPIA by the officials. It was also highlighted that the project holds immense potential due to its strategic location on Mumbai-Goa Highway and proximity to Dighi Port.
The Minister directed to create best-in-class infrastructure facilities for DPIA to create a benchmark for others to follow. The interaction witnessed the participation of more than 100 stakeholders, including representatives from CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CMIA, MASSIA, MAGIC, Marathwada Auto Cluster, Deogiri Electronic Cluster, Laghu Udyog Bharti, and other distinguished industry associations.
Their continuous support and collaboration play a vital role in shaping Maharashtra into a premier global business destination. The event also provided a platform for industrialists focused on Maharashtra to share their views, innovative suggestions and success stories.
Officials from National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited (MITL) were also present during the event who were given necessary directions from the Hon’ble Minister for further facilitating Ease of Doing Business.
About AURIC:
Shendra and Bidkin Industrial Areas are being developed in two phases, covering 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) to establish a modern industrial hub. Auric Smart City follows a balanced development model, with 60% of the land dedicated to industries and the remaining 40% allocated for commercial, residential, educational, and healthcare facilities.
Essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, sewage systems, and high-speed internet, has been developed in Shendra (2,000 acres) and Bidkin Phase-1 (2,500 acres), with underground distribution reaching individual industrial plots.
Notably, 42% of the water demand will be met through treated wastewater. The city is equipped with advanced SCADA systems, CCTV surveillance, air quality monitoring sensors, and traffic control mechanisms for effective governance.
Additionally, the implementation of the e-Land Management system ensures a transparent process for industrial land allotment. With its electricity distribution license, Auric Smart City provides power at lower tariffs, enhancing its appeal to investors.
About Dighi Port Industrial Area:
The Dighi Port Industrial Area, spanning 6,056 acres across the Roha and Mangaon tehsils in Raigad district, is positioned as a key driver of industrial growth, leveraging its proximity to Mumbai and Pune.
The project ensures seamless connectivity through major highways, including NH66 (Mumbai–Goa Highway), NH753F (Mangaon–Pune Highway), and Major State Highway 05, reinforcing its appeal for global and domestic investors.
DPIA is strategically designed to accommodate key industries, including Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Textiles, and Food & Beverages.