The Union Cabinet has given the nod to the establishment of 12 new industrial cities across 10 states, aimed at bolstering India’s domestic manufacturing and driving economic growth. The initiative involves a substantial investment of Rs 28,602 crore and is part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).
These industrial cities will be strategically located along six major corridors, with hubs 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).
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking after the Cabinet meeting, emphasized that these industrial areas will be developed as greenfield smart cities, adhering to global standards with advanced infrastructure to support sustainable and efficient industrial operations. The move is expected to transform India’s industrial landscape, creating a robust network of industrial nodes and significantly enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
The NICDP is poised to generate substantial employment opportunities, with projections indicating 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs through planned industrialization. The projects are also anticipated to attract investments totaling approximately Rs 1.52 lakh crore.
