Kanjikode the Industrial Powerhouse of Palakkad

Kanjikode the Industrial Powerhouse of Palakkad

Kanjikode in Palakkad has become one of Kerala’s leading industrial areas, second only to Kochi. Once mainly agricultural, it has grown into a busy industrial zone thanks to good planning, strong infrastructure, and smart investments. Palakkad’s rise as an industrial center is closely linked to its location. The Palakkad Gap, a natural pass in the Western Ghats, connects Kerala to Tamil Nadu and the industrial city of Coimbatore. This easy access has long made Palakkad a hub for trade and now supports its growing industrial sector.

The Kanjikode Industrial Area: A Diverse Manufacturing Base

Kanjikode, just east of Palakkad city, is home to a concentration of major public and private sector factories.

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML):
BEML is a government-owned company, and its Palakkad plant is one of India’s biggest producers of earthmoving machines, defense vehicles, and rail coach shells. It has supplied hundreds of coach shells, bogie frames, and heavy vehicles to Indian Railways and the Defense Ministry.

Inox Air Products:
This is Kerala’s only liquid oxygen producer, supplying 149 tonnes of medical oxygen each day. It plays an important role in both healthcare and industry.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) & Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL):
Both companies have major LPG bottling plants and storage terminals in Kanjikode, ensuring energy security for Kerala.

Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (AVP) & Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala:
These renowned Ayurvedic pharmaceutical manufacturers have large production units in Kanjikode, exporting medicines across India and globally.

Other Key Players:
The region also hosts Instrumentation Limited, ITI Limited, Saint-Gobain, United Breweries, Precot Meridian, and several other giants in electronics, building materials, textiles, and food processing.

Palakkad Industrial Smart City: The Next Big Leap

A transformative development is the upcoming Palakkad Industrial Smart City, a greenfield project sprawling over 1,710 acres at Pudussery near Kanjikode. This initiative is part of India’s National Industrial Corridor Development program and the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, with the following highlights:

  • Massive Investment and Employment:
    The project is expected to attract investments exceeding ₹8,700 crore and provide direct employment to over 50,000 people.
  • Sectoral Focus:
    The smart city will house industries in medical, chemical, botanical, hi-tech, non-metallic mineral, fabricated metal, rubber-plastic products, and machinery sectors.
  • Ease of Doing Business:
    Land allotment and permits will be streamlined, reducing bureaucratic delays and making it easier for industries to set up operations.
  • Sustainable and Innovative:
    The city is designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, multimodal transport connectivity, and a focus on sustainable, green practice.
  • Strategic Connectivity:
    Its proximity to Palakkad city, Coimbatore, and Kochi, along with excellent road, rail, and air links, makes it a logistics and export powerhouse.

Impact on Kerala’s Economy and Society

Industrial Growth:
Kanjikode’s rise has diversified Kerala’s economy, traditionally dominated by agriculture and services, into a robust manufacturing sector

Job Creation:
The industrial belt generates tens of thousands of jobs, both direct and indirect, fueling local and regional prosperity.

Supporting growth
The growth of large industries has spurred the rise of MSMEs, logistics firms, and service providers, creating a ripple effect of economic activity.

Urbanization and Infrastructure:
The influx of industries has led to better roads, housing, healthcare, and educational institutions, transforming Palakkad’s urban landscape.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Sustained Policy Support:
Continued government diligence is needed to avoid bureaucratic delays and ensure timely project completion.

Sustainable Development:
Balancing rapid industrialization with environmental protection and community welfare will be crucial.

Skill Development:
Training the local workforce to meet the needs of advanced industries will maximize employment benefits.

Conclusion
Kanjikode’s growth into an industrial hub reflects strong vision, good connectivity, and major change. From making heavy machines and medicines to planning a Smart City, Palakkad is now a key player in Kerala’s economy. With the upcoming Industrial Smart City, the area is set to lead in sustainable and innovative growth, marking a new chapter of progress for both Palakkad and Kerala.

Citations:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Palakkad

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palakkad_Industrial_Smart_City

3. https://smartcity.eletsonline.com/palakkad-smart-city-project-set-to-transform-keralas-industrial-landscape-union-minister/

CATEGORIES
TAGS
Share This

COMMENTS

Disqus (0 )