Indian Cabinet Approves 12 New Industrial Smart Cities and Other Key Projects

New Delhi : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several significant decisions on Wednesday, including the green light for 12 new projects under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP). These projects will result in the creation of 12 industrial smart cities across the country, with an estimated investment of ₹28,602 crores. The initiative is expected to generate 1 million direct and 3 million indirect jobs.

In a press conference, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed the decisions taken by the cabinet. Among them, the approval to launch private FM radio stations in 234 new cities marks a significant step in expanding media reach. Additionally, three major projects under the Ministry of Railways, with a combined estimated cost of approximately ₹6,456 crores, were also sanctioned. The cabinet further approved the extension of the financing facility under the 'Agriculture Infrastructure Fund' (AIF) central sector scheme. This extension aims to make the AIF more attractive, impactful, and inclusive.

Minister Vaishnaw highlighted that these strategically planned projects, spread across 10 states and aligned with six major industrial corridors, represent a significant leap forward in enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities and economic growth. The industrial areas will be located in Khurpia, Uttarakhand; Rajpura-Patiala, Punjab; Dighi, Maharashtra; Palakkad, Kerala; Agra and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh; Gaya, Bihar; Zaheerabad, Telangana; Orvakal and Kopparthi, Andhra Pradesh; and Jodhpur-Pali, Rajasthan.