India Approves 12 New Industrial Smart Cities

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), with an estimated investment of ₹28,602 crore. These projects, strategically located along six major industrial corridors, aim to transform India into a global manufacturing powerhouse by enhancing domestic production capabilities and attracting significant investments, estimated at ₹1.5 trillion. The new industrial cities will provide advanced infrastructure and are expected to generate up to 10 lakh direct jobs and 30 lakh indirect jobs, contributing to socioeconomic upliftment and regional development. Experts believe this initiative will be crucial for achieving the government's goal of $2 trillion in exports by 2030 and positioning India as a global manufacturing leader. The cities will be built on 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-work' concepts, ensuring sustainable and efficient industrial operations.