In a bid to enhance India’s self-reliance in defence production and create job opportunities, the government is all set to establish two new Defence Industrial Corridors—one in Maharashtra and the other in Assam. This initiative is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign and aims to strengthen the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Background: Defence Corridors in India
The Defence Industrial Corridors concept was introduced in 2017–18 to foster specialized hubs for defence manufacturing and innovation. The primary objectives of these corridors include:
- Boost Indigenous Production: Reduce dependency on imports.
- Promote Innovation: Encourage research and development.
- Job Creation: Provide employment opportunities.
- Foster Collaboration: Unite various stakeholders.
- Attract Investment: Encourage domestic and foreign capital.
- Export Potential: Position India as a global defence exporter.
Existing Corridors: Success Stories
Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor
- Nodes: Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Aligarh, Agra
- Strengths: Leverages industrial infrastructure and skilled manpower.
Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor
- Nodes: Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
- Strengths: Strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce.
New Corridors: Maharashtra and Assam
Maharashtra Corridor
- Industrial Clusters: Sambhajinagar–Ahilyanagar–Pune, Nashik–Dhule, Nagpur
- This corridor will leverage Maharashtra’s existing industrial ecosystem.
Assam Corridor
- Expected Benefits: Support eastern frontier defence needs and boost economic opportunities in the Northeast.
- This corridor aligns with the Make in India initiative.
Current Defence Production Milestone
In FY 2024–25, India’s annual defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1,50,590 crore, marking an 18% increase from the previous year and a 90% surge compared to FY 2019–20. Notable contributions include:
- Public Sector: 77% (DPSUs and other PSUs)
- Private Sector: 23% (up from 21% last year)
Strategic Importance of the New Corridors
- Balanced Regional Development: Complementing the existing north-south network.
- Enhanced Defence Capabilities: Proximity to strategic borders and operational commands.
- Private Sector Boost: Encouraging participation in manufacturing and innovation.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Defence Industrial Corridors in Maharashtra and Assam aim to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
- The corridors seek to reduce import dependency, promote innovation, create jobs, and attract investments.
- India’s annual defence production hit a record high in FY 2024–25, showcasing growth in both public and private sectors.
- The new corridors will strategically enhance the country’s defence capabilities and foster private sector involvement.
