India is poised to become adorned with a new series of Industrial Smart Cities following a landmark decision by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The committee 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, spread across 10 states and strategically positioned along 6 key corridors, mark a substantial advance in India’s efforts to boost its manufacturing capabilities and economic development. The industrial areas will be established in locations such as Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh, and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.
Strategic Investments: The NICDP aims to create a dynamic industrial environment by attracting investments from both major anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial zones are envisioned to act as catalysts in achieving the goal of $2 trillion in exports by 2030, in line with the government’s vision of making India self-reliant and globally competitive.
Smart Cities and Modern Infrastructure: These new industrial cities will be developed as state-of-the-art greenfield smart cities, built proactively to meet future demands, utilising ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. This planning approach ensures that the cities are equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure that promotes sustainable and efficient industrial activities.
Alignment with PM GatiShakti: In accordance with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, these projects will include multi-modal connectivity infrastructure, facilitating the smooth flow of people, goods, and services. The industrial cities are intended to become regional growth centres, driving transformation throughout their respective areas.
The approval of these projects marks a crucial step towards achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, a developed India. By establishing India as a key player in Global Value Chains (GVC), the NICDP will provide ready-to-use land parcels for swift allocation to investors, simplifying the process for both domestic and international businesses to set up manufacturing units in India. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of fostering an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ or self-reliant India, by promoting economic growth through increased industrial output and employment opportunities.
The NICDP is anticipated to generate substantial employment, potentially creating 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs through planned industrialization. This expansion is expected to provide livelihoods and drive socio-economic development in the regions where these projects are established.
The projects under the NICDP are designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to minimize environmental impact. The government’s goal is to establish industrial cities that serve as both economic hubs and exemplars of environmental responsibility by providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure.
The approval of these 12 new industrial nodes under the NICDP represents a major milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global manufacturing leader. With a focus on integrated development, sustainable infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity, these projects are set to transform India’s industrial landscape and fuel economic growth for the future.
In addition to these new approvals, the NICDP has already completed four projects, with another four currently under implementation. This ongoing progress demonstrates the government’s commitment to revitalizing India’s industrial sector and cultivating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive economic environment.
Cover Photo: OpenAI
