In a landmark development that is poised to redefine Punjab’s economic landscape, Rajpura and Amritsar are primed to ascend as the state’s foremost business gateway, propelled by the expansion to the Atari border. This strategic initiative aims to fortify trade and economic relations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, aligning seamlessly with India’s commitment to regional economic cooperation.
Rajpura’s transition into a bustling commercial hub echoes the visionary legacy of Sher Shah Suri, whose establishment of pivotal trade routes such as the Grand Trunk Road laid the groundwork for flourishing commerce between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Now, with modern infrastructure converging with these historic trade routes, Rajpura is poised for a resurgence.
Atari Expansion: Driving Economic Integration and Regional Collaboration
The extension of the corridor to the Atari border holds immense promise for bolstering cross-border trade and economic synergy. Envisioned as a catalyst for economic integration, this expansion not only fosters trade relations but also reinforces India’s commitment to regional cooperation through platforms like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and APTA. By forging stronger ties with ASEAN nations, India’s Look East Policy is further bolstered, opening up new avenues for economic growth and collaboration.
Corridor 1: Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor
The extension to Atari border amplifies the significance of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, slated for completion in Punjab by 2025. Spanning approximately 1856 kilometers from Dankuni near Kolkata to Sahnewal near Ludhiana, this corridor promises to revolutionize freight movement, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. With key features including railway underpasses, overpasses, and major stations like Sahnewal and Khanna, this corridor is poised to facilitate the seamless transportation of a diverse array of goods.
Corridor 2: Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor
Complementing the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor emerges as a beacon of industrialization, spanning approximately 1839 kilometers across multiple states. Within Punjab, this corridor is set to drive significant economic growth, with projections indicating a substantial gross value added by manufacturing. Key initiatives include the establishment of industrial manufacturing clusters, such as Punjab’s first integrated manufacturing hub in Rajpura, poised to create thousands of employment opportunities and foster innovation in sectors ranging from fabricated metal to pharmaceuticals.
Adding endorsement to these transformative endeavors, Karan Gilhotra, the Co-Chair of the Punjab State Chapter of PHDCCI, has hailed the strides made in Rajpura. Emphasizing the potential for diversification within Punjab’s industrial sector, Gilhotra’s perspective underscores the region’s transition into a thriving economic powerhouse, poised for sustained growth and prosperity.
As Rajpura embarks on this transformative journey, fueled by the expansion to the Atari border, the city is poised to reclaim its historical significance as a vibrant commercial center. With infrastructure development and industrial expansion at the forefront, Rajpura is set to emerge as Punjab’s premier business hub, fostering trade, innovation, and economic prosperity for years to come.
