In a landmark move to position India as a global manufacturing hub, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit the creation of 12 industrial smart cities across 10 states with a massive investment of Rs.286.02 billion. These industrial corridors will strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, accelerate economic growth and enhance global competitiveness. They will be located in 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. These cities are part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). This strategic initiative is projected to create significant opportunities for investment, generating a potential of Rs.1.52 trillion while aligning with India’s ambitious target of achieving $ 2 trillion in exports by 2030. Driving India’s manufacturing future The NICDP is at the heart of India’s industrial strategy, focusing on building sustainable and integrated industrial ecosystems that promote investments from both large-scale industries and MSMEs. With the development of these 12 industrial nodes, the Government seeks to position India as a global leader in manufacturing, boosting employment and achieving balanced regional growth. These smart cities, backed by advanced infrastructure and multimodal connectivity under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, will serve as vital growth centres. They are being developed ahead of demand, ready to support rapid industrialisation with the ultimate goal of fostering long-term economic prosperity. Sustainability and job creation The NICDP is designed with sustainability at its core, integrating green technologies to minimise environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. By 2027, these projects are expected to generate 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs, providing significant socioeconomic benefits across the regions where they are being implemented. Building for the future Projects such as the Dholera Special Investment Region (Gujarat), Aurangabad Industrial City (Maharashtra) and other notable industrial nodes have already set the benchmark for India’s industrial transformation. The recent approval of 12 new nodes signals a continued commitment to creating world-class industrial infrastructure, ready to cater to both domestic and international investments. Additionally, it includes railway infrastructure projects and support for renewable energy in the northeastern states. As these projects come to life, India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse is set to accelerate, redefining its role in global value chains and driving sustained economic growth for years to come.