Field Visit
DPIIT Secretary Bhatia Visits Dighi Port Industrial Area Following Cabinet Approval
Following the Cabinet's historic approval on 28 August 2024 of 12 industrial nodes under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Amardeep Singh Bhatia visited the proposed Dighi Port Industrial Area site on 1 September 2024. He was accompanied by NICDC CEO & MD Rajat Saini and Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited MD P.D. Malikner, along with senior officials and consultants.
| Project Size | 6,056 acres |
|---|---|
| Development Cost | Rs 5,469 crore |
| Location | 55 km from Dighi Port, Raigad District, Maharashtra |
| Expected Investment Attraction | Rs 38,000 crore |
| Projected Employment | Approximately 114,000 jobs |
| Infrastructure Timeline | Trunk infrastructure (roads, power, utilities, treatment plants, ICT networks) to be ready in 3 years |
| Target Sectors | General engineering, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals |
| Smart City Compliance | Industry 4.0 standards with plug-and-play infrastructure and walk-to-work concept |
| Highway Connectivity | Mumbai-Goa and Pune-Mangaon highways to decongest nearby urban centres |
What the Cabinet Approved
On 28 August 2024, the Government of India approved 12 industrial nodes/cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. The Dighi Port Industrial Area (DPIA), proposed over 6,056 acres at a cost of Rs 5,469 crore, will be a port-led development due to its proximity to Dighi Port.
Site Visit & Officials Present
DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia visited the proposed site on 1 September 2024. He was accompanied by Rajat Saini (CEO & MD, NICDC), P.D. Malikner (MD, Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited) and other senior officials and consultants. The Secretary also engaged with local stakeholders during a visit to a nearby existing industry in the MIDC area.
Strategic Location & Connectivity
The project will leverage nearby Mumbai-Goa and Pune-Mangaon highways to decongest both Mumbai and Pune. The upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport is also seen as an added advantage. The site is strategically situated near Dighi Port, enhancing its connectivity. It offers access to NH-66 (10 km away) and is well-connected via rail to key industrial regions like Kolad, Roha, Raigad and Mangaon.
Investment & Employment Projections
An investment of Rs 38,000 crore is expected from proposed sectors (general engineering, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals), creating employment opportunities for about 114,000 people. NICDC CEO & MD expressed that these are conservative estimates, and figures are likely to increase due to the project's strategic location and plug-and-play infrastructure with walk-to-work concept.
Development Timeline & Smart City Standards
Trunk infrastructure including roads, power, utilities, treatment plants, and ICT networks will be ready within 3 years. NICDC has already achieved significant time savings in master planning, environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and land acquisition. The DPIA will be compliant to Industry 4.0 standards, making it a truly Industrial Smart City.
Broader Strategic Context
The project is anticipated to attract investments worth Rs 38,000 crore and create approximately 109,185 jobs, making it a key driver of economic growth in the region. The development of the Dighi Port Industrial Area as a smart city, alongside the Vadhavan Port, is expected to spur growth across various sectors and contribute significantly to Maharashtra's goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. The development will focus on sectors such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, and food and beverages.
Logistics & Cost Reduction
A Multi-Modal Logistic Park is proposed at Dighi, aimed at optimizing freight and passenger movement. This development is expected to reduce logistics costs from the current 14-16 percent to around 9 percent, contributing to increased efficiency and competitiveness for businesses operating in the region.
Development phases
Frequently asked questions
Who approved the Dighi Port Industrial Area project?
The Government of India approved the project on 28 August 2024 as part of 12 industrial nodes under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.
What makes the Dighi location strategic for industries?
The project will leverage nearby Mumbai-Goa and Pune-Mangaon highways to decongest both Mumbai and Pune. It is 55 km from Dighi Port and located in Raigad District, Maharashtra.
When will infrastructure be ready?
Trunk infrastructure like roads, power, utilities, treatment plants, and ICT networks will be ready within 3 years.
What are the target industries for DPIA?
Target sectors include general engineering, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The development will also focus on chemicals, textiles, and food and beverages.
What is meant by 'Industry 4.0 compliant'?
The DPIA will be compliant to Industry 4.0 standards with a plug-and-play infrastructure and walk-to-work concept, making it a truly Industrial Smart City.
How much land and investment is involved?
The project spans 6,056 acres and costs Rs 5,469 crore in development investment, with an expected attraction of Rs 38,000 crore in industrial investment.
Sources
- Secretary DPIIT undertakes site visit of proposed Dighi Port Industrial Area in Maharashtra
- DPIIT Secretary undertakes site visit of proposed Dighi Port Industrial Area - India Shipping News
- Dighi Port Ind Area Maharashtra | NICDC
- National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation - DMU Report (May 31, 2026)
- Maharashtra: $1 Trillion Economy Vision Gets A Boost With Dighi Industrial Smart City Project
- Union Cabinet Approves ₹28,602 Crore For 12 New Industrial Smart Cities