New Delhi, Aug 28 (Mayank Nigam) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal of 12 industrial cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP) spanning across 10 states along 6 major corridors at an estimated cost of Rs 28,602 crore. Spanning across 10 states and strategically planned along 6 major corridors, these projects represent a significant leap forward in India’s quest to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and economic growth, an official statement said after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This move is set to 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. These industrial areas will be located in 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 statement said. NICDP is designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes will act as catalysts for achieving USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030, reflecting the government’s vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India. The 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. This approach ensures that the cities are equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
The approval of these projects is a step forward in realizing 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 Government said. 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, the government added.