UPEIDA Proposes Deemed Approval to Boost Industrial Growth Along UP Expressways
The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is actively considering a significant policy shift to accelerate industrial development across the state. The authority is contemplating providing deemed approval to building plans for units planned on plots up to 25 acres within designated industrial corridors along Uttar Pradesh's expressway network.
Streamlining Approvals for Investors
This strategic move is specifically designed to assist investors interested in establishing manufacturing and logistics units within these corridors. By implementing deemed approval procedures, UPEIDA aims to fast-track industrial activity along five major expressways that are scheduled to become operational starting May 1. The authority has formally approached the town and country planning department to determine the feasibility of granting such approvals to entrepreneurs, provided their development remains within the specified 25-acre parameters.
Comprehensive Land Development Strategy
In a phased approach, UPEIDA is planning to develop more than 5,000 hectares of land along key expressways including the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Gorakhpur Link Expressway, and the upcoming Ganga Expressway. The authority has already initiated the process of awarding approximately 3,415 hectares of land along these expressways under the Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters (IMLC) scheme at 18 strategic locations.
Simultaneously, plots allocated to 62 defence manufacturing units are being developed across five designated nodes in Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Aligarh, Kanpur, and Lucknow. Under the defence corridor scheme, an additional 1,500 hectares of land requires development in these five cities to complete the industrial infrastructure network.
Learning from Other States' Best Practices
A senior UPEIDA officer revealed that the authority has studied investor-friendly measures implemented by states such as Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where industrial units already receive deemed approvals to commence commercial operations promptly. "We have sought expert opinion from the town planning department regarding whether similar services could be effectively offered in Uttar Pradesh," the officer stated.
Architect-Led Compliance System
Since UPEIDA has already prepared comprehensive zoning plans for various clusters and finalized building bylaws, granting deemed status to certified building plans could significantly expedite industrial activity. The officer elaborated on the proposed compliance mechanism: "We would require architects to provide undertakings confirming that all building bylaws have been strictly adhered to during the planning of layouts for plots up to 25 acres. The architect would bear full responsibility if any violations are detected during subsequent inspections."
This architect-led accountability system aims to maintain regulatory standards while eliminating bureaucratic delays that typically hinder industrial project implementation. The proposed deemed approval framework represents a substantial step toward creating a more business-friendly environment in Uttar Pradesh's emerging industrial corridors.
