Lucknow: In a significant push to defence manufacturing in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday handed over the allotment letter for 75 hectares of land to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at the Chitrakoot node of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
The initiative marks a key institutional step in the planned and phased development of the Chitrakoot defence node, aimed at strengthening defence manufacturing infrastructure in the state while accelerating industrial growth in the Bundelkhand region.
Highlighting the importance of the project, the Chief Minister said the development would help establish Uttar Pradesh as a strong and reliable hub in the defence manufacturing sector. Strategically located in central India, the Chitrakoot node is emerging as a promising centre for defence production due to its favourable geography and improving logistics connectivity.
Under the project, BEL will invest approximately ₹562.5 crore to set up an advanced manufacturing unit for state-of-the-art radar and air defence systems. The facility is expected to generate over 300 direct employment opportunities, along with substantial indirect jobs in ancillary and allied sectors.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the project will not only boost high-technology manufacturing but also enhance industrial efficiency and technical capabilities in the state. It is also expected to reduce migration by creating quality employment opportunities for local youth in the Bundelkhand region.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening indigenous defence production and reducing dependence on imports. The project is also likely to promote MSME growth, foster innovation, and encourage technology transfer, thereby contributing to the development of a robust and integrated defence industrial ecosystem.
Traditionally known for its cultural and spiritual heritage, Chitrakoot is now poised to gain a new identity as an emerging hub for defence manufacturing, reflecting a balance between heritage and modern industrial progress.
