Unlocking India’s potential

INDIA is embarking on its most ambitious infrastructure programme yet – the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).

Spearheaded by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), the initiative aims to position India as a global manufacturing and investment hub.

By developing 20 Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities, NICDC aims to create dynamic, investment-ready destinations for businesses to scale quickly and efficiently, and with reduced setup times, streamlined governance and smart, sustainable infrastructure.

These smart cities are not just industrial zones, but also designed to be hubs of innovation.

Accelerating business potential

With seamless connectivity, state-of-the-art infrastructure and pre-developed facilities, the smart cities cater to a wide variety of industries from manufacturing and electronics to biotechnology and semiconductors.

Their key features include:

  • Plug-and-play infrastructure: These cities are equipped with state-of-the-art utilities, including 24/7 power supply, advanced water and wastewater treatment facilities and high-speed connectivity to help businesses commence operations from the get-go.
  • Global connectivity: The smart cities are strategically located along India’s key industrial corridors.

They provide seamless access to major ports, airports, railways and highways, enabling businesses to transport goods efficiently to both domestic and global markets, reducing costs and improving their time to market.

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(From: The Business Times Singapore)


IMC Gaya: Bihar's new infra project to attract Rs 16000 crore investment; create over 1 lakh jobs

Infrastructure , Economy news : Good news for Bihar ! Bihar Integrated Manufacturing City Gaya Ltd (BIMCGL) is spearheading the ambitious integrated manufacturing cluster (IMC) project in Gaya under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) Project. This new project is expected to attract an investment of Rs 16000 crore, which will further help in the generation of more than 1 lakh employment opportunities.

On Tuesday, the BIMCGL held its first board meeting and approved a 29-point agenda, including the appointment of a Programme Manager for the new city for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) Gaya project. The project has been envisaged considering the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) railway line and NH 19 (GT road ) as a backbone.

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(From: ET Now)


Holy city to transform into manufacturing cluster, 29 agendas passed in first board meeting

Patna: Altogether 29 agendas were approved at the first board meeting of Bihar Integrated Manufacturing City Gaya Ltd — a special purpose vehicle dedicated to spearheading the ambitious cluster project in the holy city — held here on Tuesday. The Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) Gaya project is likely to attract Rs 16,000 crore of investment and generate a job potential for 1.1 lakh people.

Kundan Kumar, managing director of Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority, who chaired the meeting, said that the appointment of a programme manager for the new IMC Gaya project was approved. The project includes an internal road, approximately 30-km long, an in-house sewage and common effluent treatment plant, a green belt, and skill development, industrial, commercial, residential, public, semi-public and logistic areas.

The project, which was envisaged considering the eastern dedicated freight corridor railway line and national highway-19 (Grand Trunk Road) as its backbone, was already approved in the Union budget 2024-25. A State Support Agreement was also executed with the Govt of India in Nov 2024.

The project aligns with the ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' vision, blending industrial growth with the cultural heritage of Gaya, a renowned pilgrimage and heritage tourism site.

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(From: Times of India)


Maharashtra: The state that means business at Davos

The 55th annual World Economic Forum meet that kicks off today is an ideal platform to amplify Maharashtra's success story among global stakeholders, attract transformative new partnerships and usher in an exciting new phase of industrialisation.

Global investors have traditionally been drawn to Maharashtra for its strong economy, robust infrastructure and dynamic policies. The state boasts one of the highest MoU conversion rates in India, thanks to its business-friendly ecosystem, high levels of safety and security, and policy framework anchored by its 2019 Industrial Policy.

Initiatives like the Maharashtra State Export Promotion Policy 2023, Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28, Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing Policy, EV Infrastructure Policy, and proposed New Industrial Policy 2025 will firmly position the state as a key driver of India's $5 tn economy.

At Davos, the message that states will play a pivotal role in achieving India's economic growth-and providing opportunities for global stakeholders-must take firmer root. The foundation of sustained economic growth is propped up by a few critical pillars: strategic investments in public infrastructure, robustness of financial markets and seamless multimodal connectivity. These elements not only enhance ease of doing business, but also create an attractive environment for FDI, fueling export-driven growth.

With an impressive $516 bn economy, Maharashtra stands poised to spearhead India's economic expansion. It has already achieved 95% of its annual average FDI in the first six months of FY25. Home to Mumbai-India's financial capital and gateway for global investments, along with an unparalleled network of ports, seamless connectivity and a rich industrial ecosystem-the state is uniquely positioned to drive India's next chapter of growth.

At Davos, the message of Maharashtra occupying a vantage point in industrial development, offering an unparalleled opportunity for global businesses to tap into new avenues for exponential growth, is worth proselytising. With the state's strategic advantages, it is ripe to plug itself in the global marketplace.

Sustainable industry: Maharashtra is home to 65% of India's data centres that can potentially help the country ride the digital wave. It boasts of Asia's largest industrial water supply network, capable of delivering 2,500 mn litres a day (MLD), underscoring its critical role in supporting industrial growth. The state also hosts a comprehensive network of container freight stations, accounting for 15% of India's industrial power consumption.

Nearly 34% of Maharashtra's total installed power capacity is sourced from RE, reflecting its dedication to a greener future. The state is also highly efficient in water usage, with only 1% of total water consumption directed towards industrial use.

To maintain a harmonious balance within the ecosystem, Maharashtra has implemented a robust infrastructure of 239 MLD capacity for common effluent treatment plants, supported by an extensive network for waste storage, disposal and treatment. These initiatives reflect Maharashtra's unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable industrial growth while safeguarding the environment.

Multimodal connectivity: Maharashtra today has India's longest road network of 1.2 lakh km, the second-largest rail network of 11.6k km, highest container volumes across two major and 53 minor ports, and the most number of airports-4 international and 8 domestic, with 11 air cargo terminals. With the announcement of India's largest port Vadhavan coming up in Palghar, Maharashtra will further strengthen its position in this strategic domain.

Industry-ready: Maharashtra's forward-looking Industrialization Roadmap 2028 aims to add 1 lakh acres of industrial land, with subsequent phases expanding this further. This shift from developing industrial areas to ecosystems reflects the state's new-age industrialisation journey.

Beyond established urban hubs, emerging regions like Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar a.k.a. Aurangabad and Gadchiroli are stepping into the spotlight, showcasing Maharashtra's ability to balance tradition with innovation, proving why it remains the preeminent engine of India's economic ascent.

Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), India's first well-planned, greenfield smart industrial city, is a testament to Maharashtra's fast-paced industrial development and future opportunities. Spread across 10k acres, AURIC is a key part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project. With its SEZs and industrial parks catering to industries like electronics, textiles and EVs/auto, AURIC exemplifies a seamless blend of tax incentives, simplified regulations and expedited approvals.

The state also plans to provide special incentives for tier-2 and -3 cities, establish green industrial parks, education, medic and innovation cities. There are also plans to set up export parks, a 2,000-acre National Logistics Hub and a green-powered Data Centre.

Maharashtra, as a showcase in Davos, aims to set a global benchmark for economic performance and innovation, and work collaboratively with the world in our natural and artificial intelligent age.

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(From: The Economic Times)