Two Major Industrial Cities to be Established Near Agra and Prayagraj
To boost manufacturing and investment in the country, the government is planning to set up two major industrial cities near Agra and Prayagraj. This initiative is part of a larger plan by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to develop 12 industrial cities across various states. The project aims to attract investments, promote economic growth, and generate employment.
The proposal was recently discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by the finance minister. According to officials, the focus will be on creating hubs for trade, logistics, and manufacturing, especially in sectors such as automobiles, electronics, textiles, and defence.
Key Features of the Proposed Industrial Cities
The development of these industrial cities will be carried out in two phases:
- First Phase (by 2025): The establishment of industrial cities in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Telangana, among others.
- Second Phase (2025-2030): Expansion to states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
State-wise Overview of Proposed Industrial Cities
Uttar Pradesh:
- Two major industrial cities will be established near Agra (21 km to the east) and Prayagraj (25 km to the south). The Agra industrial city will cover an area of 2,988 acres, with an investment of ₹10,000 crores, creating employment for approximately 75,000 people. The Prayagraj city will span 3,245 acres, attracting investments worth ₹23,610 crores and generating about 174,000 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Auto components, electronics, defence equipment, textile manufacturing, and furniture.
Haryana:
- A new industrial city will be set up 7 km north of Gurugram, covering 4,688 acres with an investment of ₹12,500 crores and expected to generate 125,000 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Defence equipment, electronics, automobile, and auto components.
Punjab (Rajpura-Patiala):
- This industrial city will be located 45 km away from Chandigarh, covering 1,099 acres with an estimated investment of ₹7,500 crores and the potential to create 64,204 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Light engineering, processed food, furniture, and defence production.
Telangana:
- The industrial city will be established 12 km to the east of Jeedimetla, covering 3,245 acres. The estimated investment is ₹23,610 crores, with an employment potential of 174,000 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Pharmaceuticals, automobiles, textiles, and defence.
Bihar (Near Gaya):
- The industrial city will be located 30 km south of Gaya, covering 1,670 acres, with an estimated investment of ₹16,524 crores and the potential to create 109,815 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Agro-based industries, food processing, textiles, and light engineering.
Rajasthan:
- A new industrial city will be established 30 km east of Jodhpur, covering 1,579 acres with an investment of ₹9,922 crores and the potential to generate 144,000 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Ceramics, textiles, and handicrafts.
Andhra Pradesh:
- This industrial city will be developed 11 km north of Krishnapatnam, covering 3,200 acres, with a total investment of ₹54,500 crores and generating 240,000 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Electronics, automotive components, and port logistics.
Maharashtra:
- The new industrial city will be set up 65 km from Mumbai, covering an area of 4,850 acres with an estimated investment of ₹38,000 crores, creating 144,183 jobs.
- Focus Sectors: Electronics, information technology, textiles, and defence.
Impact and Future Prospects
The establishment of these industrial cities is expected to revolutionize the manufacturing sector in India. It will attract domestic and international investments, enhance infrastructure, and create employment opportunities on a large scale. The government's vision is to make India a global manufacturing hub, and this initiative is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
