With an aim to turn India into a “global manufacturing powerhouse”, the Union cabinet approved setting up of 12 industrial smart cities spread over 10 states. These industrial nodes will be set up along the golden quadrilateral highway making it look like a ‘grand necklace of Industrial Smart Cities.’
“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,” cabinet note said.
Information and Broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) with an estimated investment of Rs 28,602 crore were approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led cabinet committee on economic affairs.
These projects are spread over 10 states and planned along six major corridors. These industrial areas will be located in Khurpia in Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in, Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerela, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in AP and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.
What’s unique about these nodes is that these new industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities of global standards, built "ahead of demand" on the 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-work' concepts.
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.
The NICDP is expected to generate an estimated one million direct jobs and upto three million indirect jobs being created through planned industrialization. The government said these industrial nodes will act as catalysts for achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030.
“This approach ensures that the cities are equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations,” the cabinet release said. The government said these projects were aligned with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision and would position India as a strong player in the global value chains.
