Mon Sep 09 15:17:23 UTC 2024: ## India Embarks on Ambitious Plan to Build 12 Smart Industrial Cities, Transforming the Manufacturing Landscape
**New Delhi:** India is taking a giant leap towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse with the ambitious plan to establish 12 Smart Industrial Cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. These cities, strategically located beyond traditional metro hubs, aim to spearhead the nation’s transition into Industry 5.0, a future where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly to boost industrial production.
The initiative, lauded by IN-SPACe Chairman, aims to expand India’s manufacturing sector contribution to the GDP from the current 17% to 25% by 2030, driven by the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The government also targets a $1 trillion export value from 10-11 key sectors, including automobiles, space, medical devices, and textiles.
The smart industrial cities are envisioned as more than just industrial hubs, acting as blueprints for India’s future development. They will foster balanced economic growth by spreading opportunities across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, such as Gaya in Bihar and Zaheerabad in Telangana. This shift away from concentrated development in urban regions is crucial to address regional disparities and unlock the nation’s demographic dividend.
These cities are designed to be centers of innovation and learning, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling the workforce to adapt to the demands of Industry 5.0. They are expected to create millions of direct and indirect jobs, ensuring employment for the over 25 lakh youth graduating annually.
The government is also prioritizing sustainability and infrastructure in these cities. The “plug-and-play” approach will reduce the time and effort required to establish new manufacturing units, making India an attractive investment destination. These cities will also incorporate green energy sources, recycled water systems, and effluent treatment plants, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The integration of residential areas with industrial zones promotes a “walk-to-work” concept, emphasizing work-life balance and boosting employee productivity. The advanced manufacturing capabilities in these cities, especially in aerospace engineering and satellite production, will further be boosted by the involvement of the space sector, leveraging space-based services for efficient planning and management.
The strategic location of these cities along major highways, ports, and airports, alongside integrated Dedicated Freight Corridors, will make them hubs of global trade and commerce. This will send a powerful signal to international investors that India is ready for modern industrialisation, setting the stage for a new era of economic prosperity and sustainable development.
First Piper 