India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Programme

India is embarking on an ambitious journey with the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, aiming to create modern industrial cities known as “Smart Cities” and integrate advanced technologies across various infrastructure sectors. These industrial corridors, spanning across different regions of the country, promise to revolutionize economic and social development by offering world-class infrastructure and fostering inclusive growth.

Overview of Industrial Corridors and Economic Development

Fostering Economic Integration: 

The various sectors within an economy rely on each other. Industrial corridors, acknowledging this interdependence, facilitate the seamless integration of industry and infrastructure, thereby fostering comprehensive economic and social progress. 

• These corridors encompass top-tier infrastructure, including:
  • High-speed transportation network – rail and road
  • Ports with state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment
  • Modern airports
  • Special economic regions/industrial areas
  • Logistic parks/transhipment hubs
  • Knowledge parks focused on catering to industrial needs
  • Complementary infrastructure such as townships/real estate
  • Other urban infrastructure along with enabling policy framework

Government Approval for Industrial Corridors: 

The Government of India has granted approval for the development of 11 industrial corridors comprising 32 projects, organized into four phases. Below is the current list of industrial corridors:

• Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
• Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)
• Extension of CBIC to Kochi via Coimbatore
• Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC)
• Hyderabad Nagpur Industrial Corridor (HNIC)
• Hyderabad Warangal Industrial Corridor (HWIC)
• Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC)
• Bengaluru Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC)
• East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) with Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) as Phase-1
• Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC)
• Delhi Nagpur Industrial Corridor (DNIC)

National Industrial Corridor Projects under PM GatiShakti Framework

• Objective: This plan aims to establish systematic, multi-modal connectivity across different economic zones, ensuring smooth transportation of people, goods, and services, thereby enhancing logistics efficiency and economic activities.
• The National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT): will oversee the implementation of the eleven industrial corridor projects across India. 
• Inclusive Development: Strategically positioned corridors promote inclusive development, industrial growth, and planned urbanization. 
• Smart Cities: along these routes, with advanced infrastructure, support the manufacturing workforce, fostering planned urban development.
• Boosting India’s Global Competitiveness: This initiative will elevate India’s standing in the Global Value Chain and bolster its competitiveness in manufacturing through the establishment of high-quality infrastructure.
• ‘Plug and Play’ infrastructure: It has been established at plot level in four cities: Dholera (Gujarat), Shendra Bidkin (Maharashtra), Vikram Udyogpuri (Madhya Pradesh), and Integrated Industrial Township (Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh), with ongoing land allotment.
• Investment and Employment Opportunities: A combined total of 173 plots, covering 851 acres, have been allocated across four cities, attracting investments from companies spanning South Korea, Russia, China, the UK, Japan, and India, including MSMEs. 
• This has resulted in investment mobilization and the creation of employment opportunities

Conclusion

Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive planning, the National Industrial Corridor Development Program is set to transform India into a competitive player in the global manufacturing landscape. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and planned urbanization, these industrial corridors will not only attract domestic and international investments but also generate employment opportunities and drive economic prosperity for the nation.