The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) is set to propel India into a new era of industrial advancement, with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, recently approving 12 new major projects.
This groundbreaking decision, involving an estimated investment of ₹28,602 crore, is set to revolutionize the country’s industrial framework by establishing a comprehensive network of industrial hubs and cities, which will considerably enhance economic growth and global competitiveness.
These new projects will span across 10 states, meticulously planned along six significant corridors, marking a pivotal advancement in India’s ambition to bolster its manufacturing prowess and economic expansion.
The proposed areas will be strategically located in various regions, 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.
The NICDP is designed to cultivate a dynamic industrial ecosystem by encouraging investments from major anchor industries as well as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These industrial nodes are envisioned to act as accelerators for achieving the ambitious target of $2 trillion in exports by 2030, reflecting the government’s vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
The forthcoming cities will be developed as modern, greenfield smart cities, adhering to global standards and built with a forward-thinking approach based on the ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. This ensures that these cities are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to support sustainable and efficient industrial operations.
Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the projects will feature multi-modal connectivity infrastructure, facilitating smooth transportation of people, goods, and services. These industrial cities are set to become epicenters of transformation for their respective regions.
The approval of these initiatives marks a significant milestone in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ – a developed India. By positioning India prominently within the Global Value Chains (GVC), the NICDP will offer well-developed land parcels ready for immediate allocation, simplifying the process for both domestic and international investors to establish manufacturing units in India.
This aligns with the broader goal of fostering an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or a self-reliant India, driving economic growth through increased output and job creation. The NICDP is anticipated to generate approximately 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs through its planned industrialization.
This will not only provide significant employment opportunities but also contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the regions where these projects are situated. The initiatives are designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) enabled utilities and green technologies to reduce environmental impact.
The government’s objective is to create cities that are not only economic powerhouses but also models of environmental stewardship, providing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure. The approval of these 12 new industrial nodes marks a crucial step in India’s journey towards becoming a leading global manufacturing hub.
With a strategic emphasis on integrated development, sustainable infrastructure, and seamless connectivity, these projects are poised to transform India’s industrial landscape and drive significant economic growth in the coming years.
Additionally, the NICDP has already completed four projects and has four more under implementation, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to transforming India’s industrial sector and fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive economic environment.
