Cabinet approves 12 new industrial cities under NICDP

New Delhi, Aug 28: India will expand its industrial infrastructure with the approval of 12 new projects under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit these projects with an investment of Rs. 28,602 crores, aiming to transform the country's industrial landscape.

These new industrial cities will be strategically located across 10 states, including Uttarakhand, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The cities are part of a broader plan to develop a network of industrial hubs along six major corridors, designed to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities and global competitiveness.

Key features of the new industrial cities include advanced "plug-n-play" infrastructure and "walk-to-work" concepts, ensuring they are built ahead of demand and ready to accommodate businesses immediately. These cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities, equipped with sustainable and modern infrastructure to support efficient industrial operations.

The projects will also feature multi-modal connectivity, ensuring seamless movement of goods, services, and people. This strategic investment is expected to drive regional development and boost India's role in global value chains.

The programme is projected to create up to 4 million jobs, with 1 million direct and 3 million indirect employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of the regions involved, a press release issued by the government said.