Current Affairs-Topics

India's Industrial Revolution: 12 New Smart Cities Approved

The Union Cabinet has approved the development of 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states as part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).

Cabinet Approval and Project Overview

  • The Union Cabinet approved the development of 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states
  • Part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)
  • Total budget allocation of ₹28,602 crore
  • Expected to attract private sector investments of up to ₹1.5 lakh crore
  • Aligned with the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) vision
  • Aims to boost domestic manufacturing and join global value chains
  • Total of 44 projects now under NICDP, including previously approved ones

Strategic Location and Design Principles

  • 12 new projects spread across 10 states along 6 major industrial corridors

Locations include:

    • Khurpia (Uttarakhand)
    • Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab)
    • Dighi (Maharashtra)
    • Palakkad (Kerala)
    • Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh)
    • Gaya (Bihar)
    • Zaheerabad (Telangana)
    • Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh)
    • Jodhpur-Pali (Rajasthan)
  • Based on the Golden Quadrilateral infrastructure model
  • Incorporates PM GatiShakti principles for sustainable infrastructure and balanced regional development
  • 'Plug and Play' model: Ready-to-use facilities for businesses
  • 'Walk-to-Work' concept: Minimizing commute times and enhancing work-life balance
  • Emphasis on well-planned urban development to support industries

Economic Impact and Sustainability

  • Expected to generate 10 lakh direct jobs and up to 30 lakh indirect jobs
  • Aims to increase the manufacturing sector's share of India's GDP
  • Designed as greenfield smart cities with world-class infrastructure
  • Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) for effective resource management
  • Incorporation of renewable energy sources
  • Smart sensors for real-time monitoring of air quality and traffic
  • Advanced data analysis for improved efficiency
  • 5G technology for faster internet connections
  • Automated and efficient waste management systems
  • Smart logistics to support urban farming
  • Strong focus on cybersecurity to protect infrastructure

Objectives and Future Outlook

  • Part of the broader National Infrastructure Pipeline
  • Aims to develop 11 Industrial Corridors with 44 industrial nodes/areas/smart cities in four phases
  • Collaboration between central and state governments

Key objectives include:

    • Attracting domestic and foreign investment
    • Boosting India's manufacturing sector
    • Achieving a USD 2 trillion export target by 2030
    • Creating employment opportunities
    • Positioning India as a global manufacturing hub
  • Supports the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India)
  • Designed to facilitate easy setup of manufacturing units
  • Four projects already completed, four under implementation, and 12 newly approved
  • Demonstrates government's commitment to industrial transformation

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