The central cabinet has approved the establishment of 12 new industrial cities across 10 states with an estimated investment of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav provided insights into this significant decision made during the cabinet meeting. He mentioned that the cabinet has given its green light to 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP) with this substantial investment.
Transforming the Fate of These States
The new industrial cities will be located in Khurpiya, Uttarakhand; Rajpura-Patiala, Punjab; Dighi, Maharashtra; Palakkad, Kerala; Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh; Gaya, Bihar; Zahirabad, Telangana; Orvakal and Koperthi in Andhra Pradesh; and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan. These cities are strategically conceived near six major corridors, showcasing a crucial initiative to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and economic growth.
Shaping Economic Growth
This move is set to transform the industrial landscape of the country. It will establish a robust network of industrial sectors and cities, significantly boosting economic growth and global competitiveness. These industrial towns will be developed as smart cities aligned with global standards, equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
Key Features of the New Industrial Cities
| State | Location | Estimated Investment (Crore) | Projected Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand | Khurpiya | 2,000 | 80,000 Direct |
| Punjab | Rajpura-Patiala | 3,000 | 90,000 Direct |
| Maharashtra | Dighi | 4,000 | 1,00,000 Direct |
| Kerala | Palakkad | 2,500 | 70,000 Direct |
| Uttar Pradesh | Agra & Prayagraj | 5,000 | 1,50,000 Direct |
| Bihar | Gaya | 2,000 | 80,000 Direct |
| Telangana | Zahirabad | 3,500 | 1,00,000 Direct |
| Andhra Pradesh | Orvakal & Koperthi | 4,000 | 1,20,000 Direct |
| Rajasthan | Jodhpur-Pali | 3,500 | 90,000 Direct |
Creating Employment Opportunities
The NICDP is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. The establishment of these cities is projected to create about 10 lakh direct jobs and, through planned industrialization, around 30 lakh indirect jobs. The initiatives will also lead to an investment potential of approximately Rs 1.52 lakh crore. This vision for the establishment of these industrial cities was laid out in the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, where additional commitments were made to promote domestic manufacturing through partnerships with states and the private sector, focusing on developing ‘plug and play’ industrial parks in various urban and suburban areas.
