“India is set to build world-class greenfield industrial smart cities with ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts.These projects aim to create robust and sustainable infrastructure, fostering investments and promoting balanced regional development,” said a press release by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
The smart cities will be developed ahead of demand and feature modern amenities designed to attract both domestic and international investments. The ‘plug-n-play’ concept implies that the necessary infrastructure will be readily available, making it easier for businesses to set up operations quickly. Meanwhile, the ‘walk-to-work’ concept emphasizes creating residential areas close to workplaces, thereby reducing commute times and enhancing the quality of life for residents.Full list of industrial cities planned:
First: Khurpia in Uttarakhand
Second: Rajpura, Patiala in Punjab
Third: Agra in Uttar Pradesh will have clean and environment friendly industrial development
Fourth: Prayagraj in UP
Fifth: Gaya in Bihar will focus on agro, textile and engineering
Sixth: Eighi Port Industrial Area in Maharashtra. There will be focus on port-led industrialisation
Seventh: Jodhpur, Pali in Rajasthan.
Eighth: Koparthy in Andhra Pradesh
Ninth: Orvakal in Andhra Pradesh
Tenth: Zaheerabad in Telangana
Eleventh: Palakkad in Kerala
Twelvth: Jamshedpur-Purulia-Asansol
Cabinet Briefing by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
To drive investments
Designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem, these projects aim to achieve $2 trillion in exports by 2030. NICDP is an initiative that seeks to attract investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes will act as catalysts for boosting exports, thereby reinforcing India’s position in the Global Value Chains (GVC). By providing developed land parcels ready for immediate allotment, the projects facilitate easier setup of manufacturing units for both domestic and international investors.
Modern infrastructure
The newly approved industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities of global standards, employing the ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. This ensures that the infrastructure is built ‘ahead of demand’, supporting sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
The government’s approach ensures these cities will be equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports the seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
Generate employment
The projects will create advanced greenfield smart cities featuring modern infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity, aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, and are expected to generate around 1 million direct and up to 3 million indirect jobs.
Sustainable development
The projects incorporate ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to minimize environmental impact. The aim is to provide quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, creating industrial cities that exemplify environmental stewardship.
The approval of these 12 new industrial nodes marks a significant milestone in India’s industrial development. The projects underscore the government’s commitment to transforming India’s industrial sector and fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive economic environment.
Cabinet approves three mega railway projects
CCEA approved three major railway projects totaling approximately Rs 6,456 crore. These initiatives will be implemented across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, creating nearly 300 kilometers of new railway infrastructure to enhance seamless connectivity.
The approved projects include two new railway lines and one multi-tracking project. This expansion will cover seven districts and aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated multi-modal connectivity.
The projects aim to facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
