NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of 12 new industrial smart cities across various states, with a total investment of Rs 28,602 crore. This initiative is aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, as announced by the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a media briefing on the Cabinet's recent decisions.

Among the 12 new industrial cities, two will be developed in Andhra Pradesh and one in Bihar.

In line with the government's Budget announcement, these cities will feature 'plug and play' industrial parks located in or near 100 cities. This project will be carried out in collaboration with state governments and the private sector, with the objective of strengthening the manufacturing sector.

Key Highlights of the Industrial Smart Cities:

1. Vision Alignment: The new cities match the 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
2. Strategic Location: They will be located along the Golden Quadrilateral.
3. Transformative Impact: Rs 28,602 crore investment will change India’s industrial landscape.
4. Job Creation: Expected to create 10 lakh direct and 30 lakh indirect jobs.
5. Investment Opportunities: Can attract Rs 1.5 lakh crore in investments.
6. Modern Concepts: Built on PM GatiShakti principles, featuring 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-work' designs.
7. Sustainable Infrastructure: Includes eco-friendly and efficient infrastructure to support balanced development.
8. Global Value Chains: Provides ready-to-use land to boost India’s role in global supply chains.
9. Current Status: Eight cities are in various stages of development, with four having established key infrastructure and four more under construction.

​According to an earlier statement by a senior official from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), eight such cities are already in various stages of development.

Trunk infrastructure has been established in four cities, including Dholera in Gujarat, Auric in Maharashtra, Vikram Udyogpuri in Madhya Pradesh, and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Land allotment for industrial use is currently underway in these locations.

For the remaining four cities, the government's special purpose vehicle is actively working on building essential infrastructure, such as road connectivity, water, and power supply.

With eight cities under development and 12 new ones approved, the total number of industrial smart cities in the country will soon reach 20. This expansion is anticipated to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to the nation's GDP and create numerous job opportunities.

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