In a significant push to boost infrastructure and industrial growth, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved investment proposals worth over ₹18,500 crore. These include major projects in semiconductor manufacturing, Metro rail expansion in Lucknow, and a hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh.
Breakdown of Major Approvals
1. Semiconductor Manufacturing – ₹4,600 Crore
Under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), four new projects have been cleared in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, adding to six previously approved projects.
New approvals include:
- SiCSem – Compound semiconductor fabrication plant in Bhubaneshwar with integrated ATMP facilities, producing 60,000 wafer starts/month and 96 million units/year.
- 3D Glass Solutions Inc – Advanced ATMP plant in Bhubaneshwar producing 70,000 glass panels and 13,000 3D integration modules annually.
- Continental Device India Ltd (CDIL) – ATMP facility in Mohali, Punjab.
- Advanced System in Package (ASIP) Technologies – ATMP plant in Andhra Pradesh.
With these approvals, the total sanctioned ISM projects now reach 10, with ₹1.60 trillion cumulative investment across six states.
2. Lucknow Metro Expansion – ₹5,801 Crore
The Cabinet has approved Phase 1B of the Lucknow Metro, extending the first phase by 11 km and adding 12 new stations.
Key features:
- Project executed by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC).
- Will connect Old Lucknow commercial hubs like Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj, Chowk, King George’s Medical University, and major tourist spots such as Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.
- Completion timeline: 5 years.
- Expected to boost tourism, local commerce, and urban connectivity.
3. Tato-II Hydro Electric Project – ₹8,146 Crore
Located in Arunachal Pradesh, the 700 MW Tato-II project will generate 2,738 million units of electricity annually.
Key details:
- Developed by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) in partnership with the state government.
- ₹458.79 crore allocated for enabling infrastructure (roads, bridges, transmission lines).
- ₹436.13 crore equity support for the state.
- Arunachal Pradesh to receive 12% free power, plus jobs and infrastructure upgrades.
Strategic Importance of These Investments
- Semiconductors: Strengthens India’s position in the global electronics supply chain, reducing import dependence.
- Metro Rail: Improves urban mobility and supports sustainable public transportation.
- Hydro Power: Promotes clean energy generation and supports regional development in the Northeast