Explanation:

In order to boost connectivity and logistics support to Jammu and Kashmir, the government is planning to connect the UT to the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC).

Amritsar-Delhi-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (ADKIC) is a proposed industrial route, which will connect the northern industrial and agricultural centres with the key ports of western India, including Jamnagar and Kandla, in Gujarat. According to the concerned officials, the corridor is expected to give an impetus to the local economy.

The corridor will help boost the industrial revolution connecting the industrial belt of Baddi, Bhatinda, and Ludhiana through spurs and the state of Jammu and Kashmir through the Delhi -Amritsar- Katra Expressway. The policy document further en that the corridor will create employment opportunities and economic growth in the union territory. In this regard, the administration has delineated the contours of the project wherein the objective would be to create state of-the-art world-class infrastructure to promote local commerce, enhance investment, generate employment, and attain sustainable development.

Notably, the Government of India is developing Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) along the alignment of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) traversing a route length of 1839 km in six states. The objective of the AKIC is to optimize the present economic and employment potential of the region, stimulate investments, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing, services and export-oriented units and promote overall economic development of the area through creation of high-standard infrastructure and an enabling business environment. Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor is proposed to be developed in a band of 150-200 Kms on either side of EDFC, in a phased manner. Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor will have an influence area across seven states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.