12 new industrial smart cities : about the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) i

The Union cabinet has  approved 12 new industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) in different states with an outlay of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing,

These industrial areas will be located in Khurpia in Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in, Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerela, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in AP and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.

Key Highlights:

Strategic Investments: NICDP is designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes will act as catalysts for achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030, reflecting the government’s vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India.

Smart Cities and Modern Infrastructure: The new industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities of global standards, built “ahead of demand” on the ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. This approach ensures that the cities are equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations.

Area Approach on PM GatiShakti: Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the projects will feature multi-modal connectivity infrastructure, ensuring seamless movement of people, goods, and services. The industrial cities are envisioned to be growth centers for transformation of whole region.

 Vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’:

• The approval of these projects is a step forward in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ – a developed India.
• By positioning India as a strong player in the Global Value Chains (GVC), the NICDP will provide developed land parcels ready for immediate allotment, making it easier for domestic and international investors to set up manufacturing units in India.

Economic Impact and Employment Generation:

• NICDP is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1 million direct jobs and upto 3 million indirect jobs being created through planned industrialization.
• This will not only provide livelihood opportunities but also contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the regions where these projects are being implemented.

Commitment to Sustainable Development:

• The projects under the NICDP are designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to minimize environmental impact.
• By providing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, the government aims to create industrial cities that are not just hubs of economic activity but also models of environmental stewardship.
• The approval of 12 new industrial nodes under the NICDP marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.

About the NICDP:

The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) is a key initiative by the Government of India aimed at fostering industrialization and economic development through the creation of well-planned industrial corridors across the country.

Objective:

• The NICDP aims to create a robust industrial base by developing world-class infrastructure and promoting industrial growth. The goal is to boost manufacturing, increase employment, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Development of Industrial Corridors:

• The programme involves the development of multiple industrial corridors across the country, which are strategically located to leverage existing and planned transportation networks, including roads, railways, and ports.

Key Industrial Corridors:

Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): One of the most ambitious projects, stretching across six states and covering 1,500 km, aiming to create smart cities with high-quality infrastructure.

Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): Focused on the southern part of India, enhancing industrial connectivity between Chennai, Bengaluru, and other regions.

Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Aims to spur industrial growth in the eastern and northern parts of India.

• Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC): Designed to boost the economic growth of the western and southern regions.
• Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC): Focuses on the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, enhancing port-based industrial development.
• East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC): Encompasses the entire eastern coastline, from Kolkata to Kanyakumari, promoting port-led industrialization.