Indore-Pithampur economic corridor cleared:21-km eight-lane stretch to shape new industrial future with farmer participation and land pooling model

A 21-kilometre, eight-lane economic corridor between Indore and Pithampur is set to become a game-changer for Madhya Pradesh’s economy. The ambitious Rs 2,360-crore project was approved on Tuesday by the Board of Directors of the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. The corridor will begin in Indore and connect to AB Road in Pithampur, dramatically improving connectivity between Indore city, the airport and the Pithampur industrial area. First-of-its-kind model with farmer consent The project is being described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, where large-scale industrial development is being carried out with the consent and participation of farmers. An industrial zone extending 3 to 5 kilometres on both sides of the corridor will be developed. A total of 1,290.74 hectares (approximately 3,200 acres) of land is proposed for development. Under the new land pooling policy, 60% of the developed land will be returned to farmers — higher than the usual 50% provision — following specific instructions from the Chief Minister. Farmers will have the option to establish their own industries on the returned land or sell it to other industrialists. Those preferring monetary compensation can opt for payment under the state’s land acquisition policy. 17 villages to benefit directly Farmers from 17 villages are expected to benefit directly from the project. These include: Kodiyabardi, Nainod, Rinjlay, Bisanawda, Nawda Panth, Shriram Talawali, Sindoda, Sindodi, Shivkheda, Narlay, Moklay, Dehri, Sonway, Bhainslay, Bagoda, Tihi and Dhannad. The project is expected to significantly boost rural incomes and create new employment opportunities in these areas. Housing and Commercial development plans The corridor is not limited to industrial expansion. A comprehensive housing scheme is also planned for employees and business owners working in the industrial units. Colonizers will develop residential colonies, while farmers and builders can jointly undertake housing projects. Plans include shops, malls, shopping complexes and office spaces, which are expected to stimulate both residential and commercial activity, strengthening the local economy. Challenges and progress In the initial phase, several farmers had raised objections to the project. More than 450 appeals are currently pending before the appellate authority in Bhopal following local hearings. However, recent updates indicate significant progress in land pooling. Consent has been secured for several hundred hectares of land, and the registration process has begun. MPIDC officials are developing the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure faster execution. Major boost to investment and employment The corridor is expected to enhance logistics for Pithampur — already a major hub for automobile, engineering and pharmaceutical industries — while strengthening Indore’s position as a metropolitan city. Officials believe the project will trigger substantial growth in investment and employment. Farmers, instead of losing their land entirely, will benefit from developed plots and rising property values. The Indore–Pithampur Economic Corridor is being seen as a transformative step for Central India’s industrial landscape — not just an infrastructure project, but a new model of farmer-industry partnership. As work progresses, the region is expected to witness rapid expansion, increased rural incomes and accelerated contribution to Madhya Pradesh’s GDP.