Cabinet clears 12 industrial cities with an outlay of Rs 28,602 cr, 3 rail projects get nod

New Delhi, Aug 28 In a big push to infrastructure development in the country, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved development of 12 smart industrial cities with an estimated investment of Rs 28,602 crores while also giving nod to three rail projects worth Rs 6,456 crore.
Under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), the smart industrial cities are proposed across 10 states and strategically planned along six major corridors.
An official statement said that the industrial city projects would transform the industrial landscape of the country and create a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness.
“Spanning across 10 states and strategically planned along 6 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 Keraela, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in AP and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan,” the statement said.
The new industrial cities will be developed as greenfield smart cities. The NICDP is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1 million direct jobs and upto 3 million indirect jobs being created through planned industrialization.
“The approval of 12 new industrial nodes under the NICDP marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse,” the statement said.
In order to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimize logistics cost, reduce oil imports and lower carbon emissions, the CCEA also approved two new lines and one multi-tracking project across Indian Railways.
The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 6,456 crore and will be completed upto 2028-29. The rail projects will generate direct employment for about 114 lakh man-days during construction.
The three railway projects covering seven districts in four states namely Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 300 kms.
“With these projects 14 new stations will be constructed, providing enhancing connectivity to two Aspirational Districts (Nuapada and East Singhbum). New line projects will provide connectivity to approximately 1,300 villages and about 11 lakh population. Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,300 villages and about 19 lakh population,” the official statement said.
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet today approved rolling out private FM radio to 234 uncovered new cities/towns.
The Cabinet gave its nod to the proposal for conduct of 3rd batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 channels in 234 new cities with estimated reserve price of Rs 784.87 crore under Private FM Radio Phase Ill Policy.
The decision is set to boost local content in mother tongue and create new employment opportunities. New areas which would be covered include many Aspirational and border areas.
The Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Ministry of Power for providing central financial assistance (CFA) to the state governments of north eastern region towards their equity participation for development of hydro electric projects in the NER through joint venture (JV) collaboration between state entities and central public sector undertakings.
The scheme has an outlay of Rs 4136 crore to be implemented from FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32. A cumulative hydro capacity of about 15000 MW would be supported under the scheme. The scheme would be funded through 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for North Eastern Region from the total outlay of the Ministry of Power.
The Cabinet also approved the progressive expansion in Central Sector Scheme of financing facility under ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’ to make it more attractive, impactful and inclusive.
“In a significant move to enhance and strengthen the agricultural infrastructure in the country and support the farming community, the government has announced a series of measures to expand the scope of Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. These initiatives aim at expanding the scope of eligible projects and integrate additional supportive measures to foster a robust agricultural infrastructure ecosystem,” the official statement said.