In a significant boost to Punjab’s economy, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Rajpura as one of the 12 sites for the ambitious smart industrial city projects. These projects, part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, aim to create a “grand necklace” connecting major industrial, agricultural, and cultural hubs across India.
The Rajpura industrial city, with an investment potential of Rs 7,500 crore, is expected to generate 64,204 jobs. The entire project will be worth Rs 28,602 crore, with Rajpura’s share being Rs 1,367 crore.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism about the project’s timely completion, stating that 1,099 acres of land have already been acquired and fenced. Goyal stated that with Punjab’s full support, the project could be completed within three years.
The development comes at a crucial time for Punjab, which has been grappling with heavy debt and low investment. The state has also faced challenges in land acquisition for various national highway projects. However, the government’s approval for the smart industrial city project offers a glimmer of hope for economic revival.
The Rajpura industrial city is strategically located near the Chandigarh airport and is well-connected by road and rail. This makes it an attractive destination for investors in sectors such as electronics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, and rubber and plastics.
The Cabinet also approved a smart industrial city in Haryana but withheld the announcement due to the election code. The other 10 sites for the projects are located in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
