Syllabus: GS3/Infrastructure
Context
- Government has approved 12 new industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).
About the New Industrial Smart Cities Project
- The projects span across ten states and are strategically planned along six major corridors.
- These are Khurpia in Uttrakhand, Gaya in Bihar, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Dighi in Maharashtra, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh, Palakkad in Kerela, Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan, and Agra and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
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 the whole region.
Significance
- 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.
- These projects are designed to attract substantial investments, with expectations of approximately Rs 1.52 trillion from both large anchor industries and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises).
- Economic Impact and Employment Generation: This initiative is projected to generate 1 million direct and 3 million indirect jobs.
- Commitment to Sustainable Development: 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.
National Industrial Corridor Development Programme
- It is India’s most ambitious infrastructure programme aiming to develop new industrial cities as “Smart Cities” and converging next generation technologies across infrastructure sectors.
- These are aimed at development of futuristic industrial cities in India which can compete with the best manufacturing and investment destinations in the world.
- The same will create employment opportunities and economic growth leading to overall socio-economic development.
- 32 Projects in 4 Phases under 11 Corridors forming part of National Infrastructure Pipeline
Conclusion
- The approval of 12 new industrial nodes under the NICDP marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
- In addition to these new sanctions, the NICDP has already seen the completion of four projects, with another four currently under implementation.
- This continued progress highlights the government’s commitment to transforming India’s industrial sector and fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive economic environment.
Source: IE
