In a move to give a fillip to the Indian economy, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a series of decisions, including setting up 12 world-class greenfield industrial smart cities, multi-tracking projects across Indian Railways, expanding the scope of the agricultural infrastructure fund (AIF) scheme and hydropower development projects for the Northeast states, among others. Given the potential to attract investments worth Rs 1.52-lakh crores, the Union government is focusing on the development of 12 new industrial cities in 10 states.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) with an estimated investment of Rs 28,602 crores. “This move is set to transform the industrial landscape of the country creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness,” Mr Vaishnaw said. The Union minister said that spanning across 10 states and strategically planned along six major corridors, these projects represent a significant leap forward in India’s quest to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and economic growth.
“These industrial areas will be located in Khurpia in Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telang.