In a landmark decision, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) with an estimated investment of ₹28,602 crore. This ambitious initiative aims to create a robust network of industrial nodes and smart cities across India, significantly enhancing the country’s manufacturing capabilities, economic growth, and global competitiveness.
Spanning 10 states and strategically positioned along six major corridors, these industrial cities will be located in Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh, and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan. The NICDP represents a substantial step towards India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Key Highlights:
1. Strategic Investments: The NICDP is designed to foster a dynamic industrial ecosystem by attracting investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes aim to act as catalysts for achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030, aligning with the government’s vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
2. Smart Cities and Modern Infrastructure: These industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities of global standards, built on ‘plug-and-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. This ensures that the cities are equipped with advanced infrastructure to support sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
3. Multi-Modal Connectivity: Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the projects will feature multi-modal connectivity infrastructure, ensuring seamless movement of people, goods, and services. These cities are envisioned as growth centers that will transform entire regions, enhancing India’s positioning in Global Value Chains (GVC).
Vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’: The approval of these projects marks a step forward in realising the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India. By positioning India as a strong player in global manufacturing, the NICDP will offer developed land parcels ready for immediate allotment, simplifying the process for both domestic and international investors to establish manufacturing units in India. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of creating an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or a self-reliant India, fostering economic growth through increased industrial output and employment.
Economic Impact and Employment Generation: The NICDP is expected to generate substantial employment, with estimates of creating 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs through planned industrialisation. This will not only provide livelihoods but also contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the regions where these projects are being implemented.
Commitment to Sustainable Development: The NICDP projects are designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to minimise environmental impact. By providing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, the government aims to establish industrial cities that serve as both economic hubs and models of environmental stewardship.
The approval of these 12 new industrial nodes under the NICDP signifies a major milestone in India’s journey towards a more integrated, sustainable, and competitive industrial landscape. With continued progress in existing projects and the promise of these new developments, India is poised to redefine its industrial future and drive significant economic growth in the coming years.
