The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit 12 new projects under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), aiming to propel India towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. These initiatives represent a massive investment of ₹28,602 crore and are set to establish advanced industrial smart cities across the nation.
Strategically located, the new industrial sites will be developed in Khurpia (Uttarakhand), Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab), Dighi (Maharashtra), Palakkad (Kerala), Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Gaya (Bihar), Zaheerabad (Telangana), Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), and Jodhpur-Pali (Rajasthan). A 12th project has been approved but remains unnamed due to the model code of conduct related to upcoming assembly elections. Speculation suggests it could be located in either Haryana or Jammu & Kashmir.
These sites will host next-generation industrial cities designed to support a vibrant manufacturing ecosystem. The NICDP is expected to generate around 10 lakh direct jobs and an additional 30 lakh indirect employment opportunities. This surge in job creation is aligned with India’s broader goal of attracting global manufacturing operations across sectors such as electronics, mobile, and defense industries.
The development of these greenfield smart cities, built to global standards, embodies modern concepts like ‘plug-n-play’ infrastructure and ‘walk-to-work’ urban planning. This approach aligns with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes integrated, seamless multi-modal connectivity.
By focusing on both large anchor industries and MSMEs, these projects are positioned to significantly contribute to the government’s target of achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030. The NICDP will not only enhance regional manufacturing capabilities but also transform these industrial hubs into powerful growth engines, driving economic progress across the regions they serve.
