New Delhi: In a significant move, the Modi government has given the green light to a transformative project aimed at creating a network of cutting-edge industrial smart cities across India. Under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), 12 strategically planned cities will emerge as hubs of innovation, economic growth, and employment opportunities.
Key Highlights:
- Investment Potential: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated a staggering ₹28,602 crore for this ambitious endeavor. These industrial cities are expected to attract an investment of approximately ₹1.52 lakh crore. The project spans 10 states and is strategically aligned along six major corridors.
- Smart Cities of Global Standards: These greenfield industrial smart cities will be developed “ahead of demand,” embracing the ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. World-class infrastructure will support sustainable and efficient industrial operations, fostering economic growth and global competitiveness.
- Strategic Investments: The NICDP aims to create a vibrant industrial ecosystem by attracting investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes will play a pivotal role in achieving India’s ambitious goal of $2 trillion in exports by 2030, reinforcing our position in global value chains.
- Area Approach with PM GatiShakti: Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, these projects emphasize multi-modal connectivity infrastructure. Seamless movement of people, goods, and services will be facilitated, transforming these cities into growth centers that benefit entire regions.
- Vision for a Developed India: The approval of these projects is a significant step toward realizing the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’—a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
City Locations:
The 12 industrial smart cities will be strategically distributed across the country:
- Khurpia, Uttarakhand
- Rajpura-Patiala, Punjab
- Dighi, Maharashtra
- Palakkad, Kerala
- Agra and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Gaya, Bihar
- Zaheerabad, Telangana
- Orvakal and Kopparthy, Andhra Pradesh
- Jodhpur-Pali, Rajasthan.
Rail Infrastructure Boost:
In addition to the smart cities, the Modi cabinet has also given the nod to three major railway infrastructure projects spanning 296 kilometers. With an estimated cost of ₹6,456 crore, these projects are expected to enhance regional development and benefit districts like Nuapada in Odisha and East Singhbhum in Jharkhand. Notably, the Jamshedpur Purulia Asansol (third line – 121 km) and a new 37 km double line from Sardega to Bhalumuda in Raigarh district have received approval.
