The Union Cabinet has approved a major project to develop 12 industrial smart cities across 10 states in India. After a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this significant initiative today. These smart cities will be built along six major industrial corridors, with the government committing ₹28,602 crore to the project.
Industrial Smart Cities
The industrial smart cities will be located 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).
Economic Growth And Global Competitiveness
This project aims to transform India’s industrial landscape by creating a robust network of industrial areas and smart cities, which will boost economic growth and increase the country’s global competitiveness. The government believes that this initiative will provide a massive boost to employment, directly generating nearly 10 lakh (1 million) jobs, with an additional 30 lakh (3 million) indirect jobs expected to follow. The new industrial smart cities will feature world-class infrastructure, built with modern “plug-and-play” facilities and “walk-to-work” concepts. The project is expected to attract investment worth around ₹1.52 lakh crore, encouraging large industries as well as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to set up operations in these cities.
Realizing The Vision Of ‘Viksit Bharat’
The government envisions these industrial areas as key players in achieving the target of $2 trillion in exports by 2030. This project is seen as a step towards realizing the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and will position India as a significant player in global value chains. By providing ready-to-use land for industries, it aims to make it easier for both domestic and international investors to establish manufacturing units, contributing to the broader goal of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India).
Three New Railway Infrastructure Projects
In addition to the industrial smart cities, the Cabinet has also approved three new railway infrastructure projects with a total investment of ₹6,456 crore. These projects will cover four states—West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh—and aim to improve connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and lower carbon emissions. These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to boosting industrial output, employment, and infrastructure development across the country.