An industrial corridor is a package of infrastructure spending allocated to a specific geographical area, with the intent to stimulate industrial development.[1]
An industrial corridor aims to create an area with a cluster of manufacturing or another industry. Such corridors are often created in areas that have pre-existing infrastructure, such as ports, highways and railroads.[1] These modalities are arranged such that an "arterial" modality, such as a highway or railroad, receives "feeder" roads or railways. Concerns when creating corridors include correctly assessing demand and viability, transport options for goods and workers, land values, and economic incentives for companies.[2]
Infrastructure corridors [3][4] generally deliver services such as communications, transport, energy, water, waste management. The development of infrastructure corridors is often a link between rural areas and urban growth. In the 21st century, industrial corridors are often viewed as opportunities for jobs and economic development in a region. Infrastructure can bring enhanced prospects to underdeveloped regions,[5] longer-term economic growth, and international competition.
There are infrastructure corridors in both developing world countries such as South Africa and Brazil in addition to advanced countries such as the United States and Canada. The increased movement from rural areas to metropolitan areas will advance industrial corridors in population centers.[6]