India to Develop 12 New Industrial Smart Cities, Boost Manufacturing

India plans to establish 12 new industrial cities across different states to enhance domestic manufacturing. Eight cities are already in progress, with four having trunk infrastructure in place. The new cities aim to boost the country's GDP and employment, supported by state governments and private sector collaboration.

India is set to develop 12 new industrial cities across various states, similar to those in Greater Noida and Dholera, to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, according to a top government official. Two cities will come up in Andhra Pradesh and one in Bihar.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), stated that eight such cities are already at different implementation stages.

Trunk infrastructure has been established in Dholera, Auric, Vikram Udyogpuri, and Krishnapatnam, with land allotment for industries underway. Infrastructure development is ongoing in the other four cities, focusing on connectivity and utilities.

The announcement of the 12 new cities raises the total to 20. The government will seek environmental clearances and allocate land for industrial use, aiming for a 'plug and play' model. This initiative is expected to boost manufacturing's share in GDP and create jobs.

Ashoo Gupta of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., emphasized that collaboration between the government, states, and the private sector will drive industrial growth and city planning. The Budget 2024-25 also includes measures like customs duty rationalization to promote manufacturing and exports.

(With inputs from agencies.)