Govt Approves 12 Industrial Smart Cities With An Outlay of ₹28,602 Cr

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), with an estimated investment of Rs. 28,602 crore. These projects are set to transform India’s industrial landscape by creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities, significantly boosting economic growth and global competitiveness.
These industrial projects will be strategically located across 10 states and are planned along six major industrial corridors. The new industrial areas will be developed in Khurpia (Uttarakhand), Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab), Dighi (Maharashtra), Palakkad (Kerala), Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Gaya (Bihar), Zaheerabad (Telangana), Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), and Jodhpur-Pali (Rajasthan). The establishment of these nodes marks a significant leap forward in enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and fostering economic growth.
The new industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities, built on 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-work' concepts. This approach ensures that these cities will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations. Additionally, the projects align with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, incorporating multi-modal connectivity infrastructure to facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods, and services. These industrial cities are envisioned to become growth centers that will catalyze the transformation of entire regions.
The NICDP is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with around 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs projected through planned industrialization. This will contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the regions where these projects are implemented, providing livelihood opportunities and boosting regional economies.
Sustainability is a key focus of these projects, which are designed to incorporate ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies that minimize environmental impact. The government aims to create industrial cities that are not only hubs of economic activity but also models of environmental stewardship.
These projects represent a significant step towards realizing the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India. By positioning India as a key player in Global Value Chains (GVC), the NICDP will provide developed land parcels ready for immediate allotment, making it easier for domestic and international investors to set up manufacturing units in the country. This aligns with the broader objective of creating an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India, fostering economic growth through enhanced industrial output and employment.
The approval of these 12 industrial nodes under the NICDP marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. With a strategic focus on integrated development, sustainable infrastructure, and seamless connectivity, these projects are set to redefine India's industrial landscape and drive the nation’s economic growth for years to come.