NICDIT Apex Monitoring Authority Reviews Industrial Corridor Progress
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 3rd Meeting of the Apex Monitoring Authority of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) in New Delhi, reviewing progress under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog Shri Ashok Kumar Lahiri, and virtually by several other Chief Ministers and Union Ministers.
Project Implementation Status and Achievements
The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme now covers 20 approved projects across 13 States and 7 Industrial Corridors. Four industrial smart cities—Dholera, Shendra-Bidkin, Greater Noida and Vikram Udyogpuri—have entered the production stage. Significant progress has been made with 469 plots covering approximately 5,348 acres allotted to investors, representing an estimated investment potential of around ₹2.21 lakh crore and employment potential of approximately 1.29 lakh persons. Currently, 134 units are already in production while another 95 units are under construction.
Ministerial Directives and Strategic Focus
Smt. Sitharaman emphasized that Industrial Corridors are a key pillar of the Government of India's strategy to expand manufacturing, strengthen logistics competitiveness and create globally competitive industrial ecosystems. She stressed the need to move beyond project approvals towards timely completion of infrastructure, land allotment, investment and commencement of production. The Finance Minister urged States to resolve bottlenecks relating to land, connectivity, utilities, statutory clearances and the powers of project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
Shri Piyush Goyal called for faster and outcome-oriented implementation with greater focus on timely investment and operationalization. He emphasized that BHAVYA and future industrial developments should be aligned with PM GatiShakti and planned through an integrated area-development approach. The Minister advocated for focused investor outreach and stronger marketing of industrial nodes, including leveraging opportunities from India's Free Trade Agreements and exploring country- and sector-specific industrial enclaves.
BHAVYA Scheme Implementation
The Apex Authority reviewed the rollout of the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA), which envisages development of 100 investment-ready, plug-and-play industrial parks across the country. Against up to 20 projects proposed for approval in the first round, 87 applications have been received from States, reflecting strong interest in the scheme. It was emphasized that BHAVYA planning and appraisal should be fully aligned with PM GatiShakti, with infrastructure planned as an integral part of industrial development.
Institutional Framework and State Coordination
Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog Shri Ashok Kumar Lahiri urged State Governments to empower project SPVs with adequate planning, development and municipal powers in line with the approved institutional and legal framework. The meeting provided a platform for focused Centre-State engagement to resolve project-specific issues and accelerate implementation. Representatives from participating States shared project-wise progress, key implementation challenges and areas requiring coordinated support.
Future Direction and Performance Metrics
The Apex Authority underlined that the next measure of progress would be the speed at which completed and ongoing projects translate into active manufacturing centres, investment and employment. Progress will be measured not only by infrastructure created but also by how quickly projects attract investment, commence production and generate economic activity and employment.