The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the development of 12 new industrial smart cities across various states under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), with an estimated investment of ₹28,602 crore. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this significant move during a media briefing, highlighting its goal to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Strategic Industrial Expansion Across 10 States
These newly approved projects span 10 states and are strategically aligned along six major corridors. The industrial areas will be established in key locations, including Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, and several others.
Job Creation and Socio-Economic Upliftment
The NICDP is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, with an estimated 10 lakh direct jobs and up to 30 lakh indirect jobs being created through planned industrialization. This initiative will not only provide livelihood opportunities but also contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the regions where these projects are being implemented.
Catalysts for Economic Growth and Export Ambitions
The NICDP is designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by encouraging investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving the government’s ambitious goal of $2 trillion in exports by 2030.
Development of Greenfield Smart Cities
The new industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities of global standards, incorporating the ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. This approach ensures that these cities are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, built “ahead of demand,” to support sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
Seamless Connectivity Under PM GatiShakti
Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the projects will feature multi-modal connectivity infrastructure, facilitating the seamless movement of people, goods, and services. These industrial cities are envisioned to be growth centers, driving the transformation of entire regions and contributing to India’s broader economic objectives.
Vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’
The approval of these projects is a significant step towards realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ or a developed India. By positioning India as a strong player in the Global Value Chains (GVC), the NICDP aims to provide ready-to-use land parcels for immediate allotment, making it easier for domestic and international investors to establish manufacturing units in the country.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The NICDP projects are designed with a strong focus on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to minimize environmental impact. By providing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, the government aims to create industrial cities that are not just hubs of economic activity but also models of environmental stewardship.
In addition to these new approvals, the NICDP has already seen the completion of four projects, with another four currently under implementation.