UPDIC: Land Acquisition Nears Finish Line

The land acquisition process for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) is nearing completion, with approximately 96% of the approved 2,097 hectares already secured, according to a statement from the state government.

Around 2,015 hectares have been acquired so far—over 1,794 hectares through direct purchase and about 220 hectares via reacquisition, transfers, or land exchanges. The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), the project’s nodal agency, is aiming to complete the process by November 2025.

Land has been acquired across six key nodes:

Jhansi: 1,087 hectares, Chitrakoot: 274 hectares, Kanpur Nagar: 222 hectares, Lucknow: 160 hectares, Aligarh: 158 hectares, Agra: 112 hectares

Compensation has been provided to nearly 5,800 farmers, with Jhansi accounting for the highest number of beneficiaries (2,037). A total of 2,345 sale deeds have been finalised across all six locations, again with Jhansi leading.

Officials have highlighted that the acquisition process has been conducted transparently, with a strong emphasis on protecting farmers' rights. The project is expected to boost industrial development and create employment opportunities in the region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.