On August 28, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Union Cabinet approved the development of 12 new industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).
The announcement represents an investment of ₹28,602 crore, signaling a significant step towards economic growth and job creation.
The strategic placement of these cities across 10 states would enhance India’s industrial capacity and foster regional development.
The initiative’s scope includes developing these cities along the Golden Quadrilateral, effectively creating what has been termed a “grand necklace of Industrial Smart Cities.” This network aims to provide seamless connectivity, fostering economic activities across the country.
The cities, including locations like Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, and Palakkad in Kerala, Zaheerabad in Telangana, among others, are designed to be world-class greenfield developments.
The projects are expected to boost manufacturing and significantly contribute to infrastructure development, in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity.
These urban centers will feature cutting-edge infrastructure and embrace the ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts, which aim to reduce commuting times and enhance work-life balance for residents.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, highlighted the project’s potential to generate approximately 10 lakh direct jobs and an additional 30 lakh indirect employment opportunities.
The decision is part of a broader vision to transform India into a $2 trillion export economy by 2030, aligning with the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative, which seeks to integrate India into global value chains with ready-to-allot land for investors.
This ambitious project underscores Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to sustainable development, economic self-reliance, and job creation. By focusing on industrial growth through smart city concepts, the government aims to attract both domestic and foreign investments, thereby enhancing India’s global economic stature.
As these cities begin to take shape, they are poised to redefine urban living and industrial operations in India, promising a future where technology, sustainability, and economic growth intersect to propel the nation forward.