How Devendra Fadnavis Transformed Aurangabad: From Neglect to Maharashtra’s Industrial Powerhouse

Founded in 1610 AD by Malik Ambar, Aurangabad is among India's oldest cities. Situated in the northern part of Maharashtra, it is a prominent tourist hub surrounded by numerous historical monuments, including the Ajanta and Ellora Caves-both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Aurangabad is part of Maharashtra's Marathwada region, a drought-prone and historically neglected area. The region has long grappled with significant developmental challenges, given its scarce resources and limited infrastructure.

Photo Credit: PTI

Covering around 64,818 square kilometres, nearly a third of Marathwada falls within a rain shadow, receiving only 750 mm of annual rainfall, making drought a recurrent issue. Economic and industrial progress in Marathwada has lagged substantially behind other regions of Maharashtra.

Marathwada comprises eight districts: Aurangabad, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, and Parbhani. Previously, the INC-NCP government faced criticism for neglecting Marathwada, investing far less there than in western Maharashtra, resulting in stunted infrastructure and economic growth.

In recent years, however, the Mahayuti government has made notable efforts to rectify this, focusing on revitalising the region's industrial potential. A major figure in this initiative is Devendra Fadnavis, who played an instrumental role in establishing the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) as part of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. This project aims to transform Marathwada into an industrial hub, providing vital opportunities for economic growth and employment.

However, the progress of AURIC was significantly delayed during the tenure of the former MVA government, limiting its impact on industrial growth in Marathwada, a region with substantial potential.

Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor

The Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) represents India's most ambitious infrastructure endeavour, aiming to transform the nation into a global manufacturing powerhouse. This $100 billion project seeks to boost India's manufacturing capacity and establish it as a major player in global trade.

The first phase of the DMIC includes the creation of eight new cities across six states-Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh-over a stretch of 1,500 kilometres. The project will feature a 4,000 MW power plant and a high-speed rail freight line linking Delhi to Mumbai's main ports, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT).

At the core of the DMIC is the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), a high-speed, high-capacity freight network that connects key industrial zones, making manufacturing more competitive globally. This initiative includes nine mega industrial zones, a six-lane expressway between Mumbai and Delhi, three ports, and six airports. The DMIC aims to triple industrial output within nine years, double employment in seven years, and quadruple exports within a decade.

Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC): India's First Planned Industrial Smart City

One of DMIC's flagship projects, AURIC, is a planned industrial smart city covering 10,000 acres (around 40 square kilometres) on the outskirts of Aurangabad. Managed by the Aurangabad Industrial Township Limited (AITL)-a collaboration between the DMIC Development Corporation and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation-AURIC has received a Rs 7.9 billion investment package from the Government of India.

Set to become a major manufacturing hub, AURIC is projected to achieve an export output of nearly $11.6 billion, creating over 300,000 jobs across various sectors, which will significantly benefit the region's employment landscape. Sixty per cent of AURIC's area is zoned for industrial purposes, while the remaining forty per cent is reserved for residential, commercial, and public spaces.

Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area (SBIA)

The Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area (SBIA) forms a key component of AURIC, with extensive land and infrastructure aimed at high-growth industries. AURIC's development is split into two phases:

- Phase 1 - Shendra: An area spanning 8.39 square kilometres, located 17 km from Aurangabad city.
- Phase 2 - Bidkin: Covering 31.79 square kilometres, this is the major phase of AURIC.

Connectivity and Accessibility

AURIC's strategic location and connectivity enhance its appeal for global business. It is a 10-minute drive from Aurangabad International Airport and offers access to major highway and rail networks. Its proximity to Mumbai's logistics centres and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust facilitates smooth exports to regions such as South Asia, ASEAN, and Europe.

Smart Technology and Sustainability

AURIC incorporates advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for efficient city management, including an e-Governance system to streamline services. This approach not only reduces bureaucratic barriers but aligns with the vision of creating a knowledge-driven ecosystem. Emphasising sustainability, AURIC's design includes environmentally friendly infrastructure, such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient buildings, and waste recycling.

Key Industrial Sectors and Major Investments

AURIC targets sectors critical to India's economic growth, such as automotive and EV components, electronics manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Major investments are bolstering AURIC's development, including Toyota Kirloskar's Rs 20,000 crore facility, Ather Energy's EV production plant, and Lubrizol Corporation's Rs 1,680 crore specialty chemicals facility.

South Korea's Hyosung Group, diesel engine manufacturer Kohler, and other prominent companies have invested significantly, positioning AURIC as a prime investment destination.

This resurgence in Marathwada's industrialisation aims to uplift the region, creating job opportunities and driving economic progress under the "Nivesh se Naukari" (employment through investment) initiative, paving the way for long-awaited prosperity in Marathwada.