The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the establishment of 12 industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP) at an estimated cost of Rs. 28,602 crore.
The project is spread across 10 states and is planned along six major corridors. These industrial areas will be located at Kharpiya in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orokal and Koparthi in AP and Jodhpur-Pali. . Rajasthan.
Addressing the media, Union Minister Ashwini Vishnu said that the project will generate an investment potential of around Rs 1.52 lakh crore.
World-class greenfield industrial smart cities with 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-work' concepts will be built ahead of demand, the government said in a statement.
This initiative is set to transform the country's industrial landscape by creating a strong network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness.
“In line with the vision of Grow India, these projects will strengthen India's role in global value chains with land ready for allotment to investors,” the PIB release said.
Key Highlights:
📌 Strategic Investment: NICDP is designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investment from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes will act as catalysts to achieve $2 trillion in exports by 2030, reflecting the government's vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
📌 Smart cities and modern infrastructure: New industrial cities will be developed as world-class greenfield smart cities, built “ahead of demand” on 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-work' concepts. will This approach ensures that cities are equipped with modern infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
📌 Area Approach on PM Gati Shakti: Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects will feature multi-modal connectivity infrastructure, ensuring seamless movement of people, goods and services. Industrial cities are considered growth centers for the transformation of the entire region.
📌 Vision for 'Wikisit Bharat': The approval of these projects is a step towards realizing the vision of 'Wikisit Bharat' – a developed India. Positioning India as a strong player in Global Value Chains (GVC), NICDP will provide land parcels ready for immediate allotment, making it easier for domestic and international investors to set up manufacturing units in India. will go This is consistent with the broader objective of creating an 'Atmanir Bhar Bharat' or self-sufficient India, promoting economic growth through increased industrial production and employment.
📌 Economic impact and employment generation: NICDP is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1 million direct jobs and up to 30 lakh indirect jobs through planned industrialization. This will not only provide livelihood opportunities but also help in the socio-economic development of the areas where these projects are being implemented.
📌 Commitment to Sustainable Development: Projects under NICDP are designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to reduce environmental impact. . By providing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, the government aims to create industrial cities that are not only hubs of economic activity but also models of environmental stewardship.
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