In a determined effort to boost domestic industry and create jobs, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved establishment of 12 new industrial cities in 10 States with an estimated investment of `28,602 crore. More than one million direct jobs will be created in these projects.
Spanning 10 States and strategically located along six major corridors, these projects represent a significant leap forward in India's quest for enhanced manufacturing capabilities and rapid economic growth.
These industrial areas will be located at Khurpia in Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in AP, and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.
The Union Cabinet has approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) with an estimated investment of `28,602 crore, said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the Cabinet meeting.
The move will transform the industrial landscape of the country, creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness. They will be developed as green field smart cities of global standards.
The approach ensures that the cities are equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
The NICDP is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs being created through planned industrialisation. These projects will create an investment potential of about `1.52 lakh crore.
The NICDP is designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments by large anchor industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
These industrial nodes will act as catalysts for achieving $2 trillion exports by 2030, reflecting the Government's vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India, a Government statement said.
It also said India will soon wear a grand necklace of industrial smart cities and termed the decision as landmark.
The new industrial cities will be developed as green field smart cities of global standards, built "ahead of demand" on the 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-work' concepts. This approach ensures that the cities are equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the projects will feature multi-mode connectivity infrastructure, ensuring seamless movement of people, goods, and services. The industrial cities are envisioned to be growth centers for transformation of the whole region.
The approval of these projects is a step forward towards realising the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' — a developed India. By positioning India as a strong player in the 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 India.
This aligns with the broader objective of creating an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or a self-reliant India, fostering economic growth through enhanced industrial output and employment.
The NICDP is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs being created through planned industrialisation. This will not only provide livelihood opportunities but also contribute to the socio-economic uplift of the regions where these projects are to be set up.
The projects under the NICDP are designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to minimise 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.
The approval of 12 new 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.
In addition to these new sanctions, the NICDP has already seen the completion of four projects, with another four currently under implementation. This continued progress highlights the Government's commitment to transforming India's industrial sector and fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive economic environment.
