New Delhi: A major boost to Maharashtra’s industrial ecosystem is on the horizon as a 20,000 sq. ft. Skill Development Centre is set to be established at Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed in the coming week, as confirmed by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), during his official visit to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar on 12 July 2025.
Strengthening AURIC’s Innovation and Industrial Potential
During the visit, Shri Bhatia reviewed progress on industrial infrastructure, startups, and high-value manufacturing across the Shendra and Bidkin Industrial Areas, both integral parts of AURIC. He emphasized attracting Global Capability Centre (GCC) investments and establishing Research & Development (R&D) hubs to accelerate industrial innovation in the region. He also reiterated the need for strengthening soft infrastructure, particularly in skilling and capacity building, which the upcoming centre is poised to address.
Stakeholder Interaction and Key Recommendations
A high-level stakeholder interaction session was held at AURIC Hall, featuring representatives from leading industry bodies such as CII, MASSIA, CMIA, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM. Several crucial recommendations emerged:
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Enhanced connectivity between Aurangabad–Hyderabad–Chennai
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Development of a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility and a Vande Bharat terminal
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Strengthening logistics at Bidkin and local train services between Jalna and Waluj
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Affordable housing via MHADA, integrated with PMAY 2.0
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Creation of a dedicated chemical zone
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Increase in MSME land reservation from 10% to 40%
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Reservation of 10% land for startups
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Support for inclusive housing to foster a well-rounded industrial township
Support for Startups and Entrepreneurs
The Secretary’s visit began with an interaction at the Marathwada Accelerator for Growth and Incubation Council (MAGIC). Here, he engaged with entrepreneurs and incubators, commending their innovative drive. He reiterated the Government’s continued support through initiatives like Startup India, the Fund of Funds, and sector-specific incentives, especially targeting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities for grassroots innovation.
Site Visits: Reviewing Infrastructure & Industry Hubs
The Secretary conducted on-site reviews of major facilities at both Bidkin and Shendra:
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In Bidkin, he toured JSW Green-tech Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar’s facility, and the Water Treatment Plant
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In Shendra, he visited NLMK India, Hyosung T&D Pvt. Ltd., and Coatall Films Pvt. Ltd.
He also reviewed critical infrastructure like the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), AURIC Hall, the 3D City Model, and water treatment facilities. These visits highlighted AURIC’s readiness to host next-generation industries and showcased its alignment with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
Comprehensive Smart City Development at AURIC
AURIC, developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) initiative, covers 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) across Shendra and Bidkin, with a 60:40 ratio of industrial and non-industrial use (residential, commercial, education, and health).
Key highlights:
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High-speed internet, electricity at lower tariffs, and underground utilities
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Treated wastewater to meet 42% of total water demand
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Smart governance through SCADA, CCTV, AQM sensors, and traffic control
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Transparent land allocation via the e-Land Management system
Conclusion of Skill Development Centre
The establishment of a 20,000 sq. ft. Skill Development Centre at AURIC marks a strategic and future-oriented collaboration between the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and industry partners like CII. This initiative aims to bridge the persistent skill gap by offering industry-aligned vocational training, reskilling, and upskilling programs tailored to the needs of emerging sectors such as green manufacturing, electronics, automotive, chemicals, logistics, and advanced materials.
By enabling employment generation, supporting entrepreneurial capacity, and creating a technically proficient workforce, the centre will serve as a launchpad for inclusive industrial growth and socio-economic upliftment of the Marathwada region, especially for youth from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. It will also strengthen local supply chains by equipping workers with competencies in Industry 4.0 technologies, such as automation, IoT, robotics, AI, and smart manufacturing processes.
With AURIC’s integrated ecosystem comprising plug-and-play infrastructure, dedicated startup zones, affordable housing, healthcare, and e-governance systems, it is fast emerging as a flagship model of a smart industrial township under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). The city’s blueprint reflects a balanced approach that fosters economic productivity, environmental sustainability (e.g., 42% water reuse through treated wastewater), and livability.
This proactive and collaborative vision—championed by DPIIT, the Industries Department of Maharashtra, and industry stakeholders—underscores a unified commitment to position Maharashtra as a global manufacturing, research, and innovation hub aligned with the goals of Viksit Bharat @2047. Through initiatives like this, AURIC is not just developing infrastructure, but building the human capital necessary to fuel India’s industrial renaissance.
Source: PIB
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