The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the creation of 12 new industrial smart cities. This project is part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) and will cost an estimated Rs. 28,602 crore.
Locations of the Smart Cities
These new industrial smart cities will be built in 10 different states across India. The specific locations are:
- Uttarakhand: Khurpia
- Punjab: Rajpura-Patiala
- Maharashtra: Dighi
- Kerala: Palakkad
- Uttar Pradesh: Agra and Prayagraj
- Bihar: Gaya
- Telangana: Zaheerabad
- Andhra Pradesh: Orvakal and Kopparthy
- Rajasthan: Jodhpur-Pali
Key Features of the Project
- Investment Potential: The project is expected to attract investments worth about Rs 1.52 lakh crore. This will help in boosting the economic growth of the country.
- Modern Infrastructure: The industrial smart cities will be built using advanced technologies and infrastructure. They will be designed as greenfield cities, which means they will be built from scratch on undeveloped land. They will follow the 'plug-n-play' model, making it easy for businesses to start operations quickly. The 'walk-to-work' concept will also be implemented to reduce commuting time for workers.
- Alignment with PM GatiShakti: The project is part of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, which aims to improve connectivity across India. These industrial cities will have excellent transportation links to ensure smooth movement of people and goods.
- Vision for a Developed India (Viksit Bharat): This initiative supports the vision of a developed India, or "Viksit Bharat." By providing ready-to-use land for industries, the project will attract both domestic and international investors. This aligns with the broader goal of making India self-reliant and a strong player in global markets.
- Economic Impact and Job Creation: The NICDP is expected to create around 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs. This will provide employment opportunities and help improve the living standards in the regions where these industrial cities are being developed.
- Focus on Sustainability: The development of these industrial cities will prioritize sustainability. The use of green technologies and ICT-enabled services will help minimize the environmental impact, making these cities not only centers of economic activity but also models of environmental responsibility.
