The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved 12 new industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. The initiative, set to significantly reshape India’s industrial landscape, comes with a substantial investment of Rs 28,602 crore.
Strategic Locations and Economic Impact
The new industrial smart cities will span across 10 states and be strategically positioned along six major corridors. The cities will be located in Khurpia (Uttarakhand), Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab), Dighi (Maharashtra), Palakkad (Kerala), Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Gaya (Bihar), Zaheerabad (Telangana), Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), and Jodhpur-Pali (Rajasthan). This expansion aims to create a robust network of industrial nodes designed to enhance manufacturing capabilities and bolster economic growth.
Vision and Features
The new industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities, adhering to global standards and incorporating advanced ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the projects will feature state-of-the-art multi-modal connectivity infrastructure, facilitating the seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
Employment and Economic Benefits
The development of these industrial nodes is expected to create approximately one million direct jobs and up to three million indirect jobs, contributing significantly to regional socio-economic upliftment. The smart cities are anticipated to serve as growth centers, driving India towards its goal of achieving USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030.