Jhansi node of UPDIC Attracts Major Defence Investments, Boosting Industrial Growth

Lucknow: India’s defence industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong focus on boosting indigenous manufacturing as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), is a key driver of this change.

The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is the nodal agency for the project, working with various state agencies to ensure its success. The corridor spans six strategically located nodes: Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh, and Chitrakoot, all of which are positioned across key regions of Uttar Pradesh and supported by an extensive expressway network, including the Golden Quadrilateral connecting Delhi and Kolkata.

One of the six nodes within this corridor, Jhansi, is rapidly emerging as a strategic hub for defence production. According to the UPEIDA progress report as of December 9, 2024, with investment proposals exceeding ₹8,100 crore, Jhansi is experiencing significant growth in this sector. Major defence players like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Global Engineers Limited, and Ferreterro India Pvt Limited are investing heavily in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the region. Out of the total around 1,087 hectares of approved and procured land, 415.59 hectares have already been allocated to various defence units, demonstrating strong progress in establishing a vibrant industrial hub.

Jhansi is rapidly emerging as a key player in the defence sector, with substantial investments from leading companies.

Global Engineers Limited is making a significant impact with an investment of ₹2,300 crore to establish a comprehensive manufacturing unit for producing nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, and various types of propellants.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a renowned defence manufacturer, has commenced the construction of a missile propulsion systems manufacturing facility, contributing ₹400 crore to Jhansi’s growing defence infrastructure.

Ferreterro India Pvt Limited is also investing ₹350 crore to set up a defence manufacturing unit that will produce crucial equipment, including aircraft arrester barrier nets, nylon webbing, and tank transportation chains.

In addition, Savarn Infratel Pvt Ltd has secured land to build a manufacturing facility for EMC shelters, security towers, and prefabricated telecom shelters, with an investment of ₹103 crore.

Additionally, several major investment proposals and MoUs from prominent companies are under evaluation.

Optic Electronic India Pvt Ltd is leading the charge with ₹800 crore investment to set up a central manufacturing hub R&D center for small arms in the region.

Nitrodynamics Aerospace and Defence Pvt Limited follows closely with plans to invest ₹600 crore in defence manufacturing.

Tata Technologies is making its mark with a ₹500 crore investment to develop a Common Facility Centre (CFC) at the Jhansi node. Paavak Industries Private Limited is setting up an arms and ammunition proof testing facility, along with a test firing range, with a planned investment of ₹460 crore.

Navbharat Defence Systems Private Limited is contributing ₹322 crore to build a facility for producing TNT, NC-NG, RDX, and other primary explosives.

WB Electronics is enhancing Jhansi’s defence capabilities with an investment of ₹209 crore, while Werywin Munitions Pvt Ltd is committing ₹208 crore.

Several companies are stepping up with ₹200 crore investments, including Kalyani Strategic Systems Pvt Ltd, Kalyan Deftech LLP (focused on drone manufacturing and detection systems), NextStrat Tech Vision LLP, Spacefield Private Limited (for solid propellants), and Global Technocrats Private Limited (for unmanned ground vehicles, drones, and combustible cartridge cases).

MSME, Govt of India, is contributing ₹182 crore for a Common Facility Centre (CFC), supporting further industrial growth in the region.

Sekington Industries Pvt Ltd is investing ₹120 crore to establish an arms, ammunition, and spares manufacturing unit, while Shan Arms Industries will build a ₹100 crore facility.

As the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor continues to develop, the Jhansi node is playing a pivotal role in achieving India’s self-reliance goals in defence manufacturing while fostering economic growth in the Bundelkhand region.