Cabinet approves 12 new industrial smart cities; Uttar Pradesh and Andhra get 2 each

The new industrial cities will be equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations, according to an official release.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on August 28 approved 12 new smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) with an estimated investment of Rs 28,602 crore.

Among the 12 industrial cities, Andhra Pradesh, where NDA partner Telegu Desam is in power, will help develop two and Bihar, where the BJP is part of a coalition with the Janata Dal (United), one.

The cities will be located in Khurpia in Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerela, Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.

The government expects the industrial nodes to help in achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030 and also generate 10 lakh direct jobs and up to 30 lakh indirect jobs through the initiatives under NICDP.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan of establishing “plug and play” industrial parks in or close to 100 cities, as outlined in the Union Budget to enhance manufacturing in collaboration with states and the private sector.

Briefing the media on CCEA decisions, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Financial incentives (offered to private sector) for the smart cities project would largely depend on state governments".

Speaking on the issue at a separate briefing, trade minister Piyush Goyal said, "These projects have been tracked via GatiShakti, while focussing on sustainability and environmental-friendly aspects. We have environmental clearance for all 12 projects, making it easier for investors."

The Gati Shakti programme aims to break inter-ministerial tangles and foster cooperation to fast-track implementation of infrastructure projects.

The industrial cities will be equipped with advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable and efficient industrial operations, an official release said.

"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," the release said.

NICDP has completed four projects and another four are in the works.