Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at transforming India’s industrial landscape, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a massive project to develop 12 industrial smart cities across 10 states. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision today, revealing that the cities will be strategically positioned along six major industrial corridors, with an investment of ₹28,602 crore dedicated to this initiative.
The planned industrial areas will be established in key locations including Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh, and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.
“This initiative is poised to revolutionize India’s industrial sector by creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities, which will significantly enhance economic growth and bolster the nation’s global competitiveness,” the government stated.
The smart city project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, with nearly 10 lakh direct jobs anticipated. Additionally, the project is projected to create around 30 lakh indirect jobs, further contributing to the country’s economic development, as highlighted by the minister.
These world-class greenfield industrial smart cities will be constructed with modern “plug-n-play” and “walk-to-work” concepts, ensuring a seamless work environment. The project, with an estimated investment potential of ₹1.52 lakh crore, is designed to cultivate a dynamic industrial ecosystem, encouraging investments from large anchor industries as well as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
These industrial nodes will play a crucial role in achieving India’s ambitious goal of $2 trillion in exports by 2030.
The Cabinet’s approval for the Smart Industrial Cities project is seen as a pivotal step toward realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India. By positioning India as a key player in the Global Value Chains, the project will offer developed land parcels ready for immediate allotment, simplifying the process for both domestic and international investors to establish manufacturing units.
“This initiative is aligned with the broader objective of creating an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or a self-reliant India, promoting economic growth through enhanced industrial output and employment,” the government emphasized.
