Japan Strengthens Its Presence in India’s Industrial Smart Cities: A New Phase of Co-Creation Begins

As India fast-tracks its rise as a global manufacturing and logistics hub, Japanese companies are deepening their presence in the country’s next-generation Industrial Smart Cities. With four smart cities completed and several more advancing rapidly under the NICDC programme, the India Japan partnership is entering a new phase where investment, technology, and co-creation converge. From Dholera SIR and AURIC to IITGN, Japan’s growing interest—supported by institutions like JOI and JBIC highlights a shared vision to build future-ready industrial ecosystems at scale.

As India accelerates its journey toward becoming a global manufacturing and logistics powerhouse, Japanese companies are stepping up their involvement in the country’s next-generation Industrial Smart Cities. With four smart cities already complete and twelve more moving through advanced stages of development, the India–Japan partnership is entering a strategic and future-focused phase—where investment, technology, and co-creation converge.

At the heart of this collaboration is the growing momentum around India’s most ambitious industrial hubs: Dholera SIR, AURIC (Aurangabad Industrial City), and IITGN (Integrated Industrial Township Greater Noida). These hubs are drawing strong interest from Japanese firms, who are now aligning their investment decisions with India’s emerging strengths—from Dholera’s semiconductor ecosystem to AURIC’s rapidly expanding automotive manufacturing base.

A Partnership Anchored in Vision and Action

With support from the Japan Institute for Overseas Investment (JOI), led by Kazushige Gobe, Executive Managing Director of JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation), Japan and India are working closely to unlock new opportunities for Japanese investment.

In a recent meeting, Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & MD of the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), shared a detailed update on the progress of India’s industrial smart cities. He emphasized that the NICDC programme is now entering a high-delivery phase:

• 4 Industrial Smart Cities completed

• 4 nearing completion

• 12 new Industrial Smart Cities approved

• EPC and PMNC tendering completed for 10 new projects, paving the way for accelerated execution over the next two years

This marks one of India’s most significant industrial infrastructure expansions—creating world-class destinations for global investors, especially Japanese companies seeking long-term, stable, high-quality manufacturing ecosystems.

Dholera SIR: India’s Emerging Semiconductor Capital

Among all nodes, Dholera SIR continues to stand out. Saini highlighted the transformational progress:

• Dholera International Airport is ready

• The Dholera Expressway is nearing completion

• Tata Electronics’ semiconductor fab is progressing rapidly

For Japanese companies exploring opportunities in semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, and advanced engineering, Dholera represents a strategic landing point. Its positioning aligns strongly with Japan’s global leadership in electronics, materials science, and precision manufacturing.

AURIC: A High-Growth Automotive Manufacturing Hub

AURIC (Aurangabad Industrial City) is witnessing some of the fastest industrial uptake in India:

• 90% of industrial land already allotted

• Strong clustering of automotive and engineering companies

• New Japanese investments gaining momentum

Recently, NX Logistics India Pvt Ltd (NX GROUP / Nippon Express Group) secured 13 acres at Bidkin, underlining AURIC’s reputation as a logistics and automotive hub with strong Japanese confidence behind it.

AURIC is preparing for a massive 10,000-acre expansion, positioning itself as a long-term growth engine for Japanese automotive and mobility investments in India.

IITGN, Greater Noida: Connectivity at the Core

The Integrated Industrial Township Greater Noida (IITGN) continues to attract anchor industries due to its exceptional multimodal connectivity:

• Direct access to EDFC and WDFC freight corridors

• Close proximity to Noida International Airport (Jewar)—Asia’s largest upcoming aviation hub

• Operational units from Haier, CHENFENG, J World, and more

For Japanese companies focusing on electronics, logistics, consumer goods, and industrial machinery, IITGN offers the core ingredients of speed, scale, and connectivity.

Digital Logistics India: LDB and ULIP Transforming the Backbone

Saini, also the Chairman of NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd (NLDSL), highlighted the critical role of India’s digital logistics systems:

• LDB (Logistics Data Bank) is providing end-to-end container tracking and real-time visibility

• ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform) is integrating data across ministries and logistics operators

• Together, they reduce logistics costs through integrated planning, transparency, and predictive analytics

These platforms also support the Koyla Shakti Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard, a data-driven system enabling more efficient movement of coal—an essential step toward a smarter and greener logistics ecosystem.

Japan Appreciates the Progress—and Signals Long-Term Commitment

Kazushige Gobe expressed appreciation for the steady progress in NICDC’s industrial and logistics infrastructure. He reaffirmed that Japan sees India as a long-term strategic partner, with the ability to co-create future-ready industrial ecosystems.

The meeting highlighted a shared ambition: To build the next generation of smart industrial cities, supply chains, and digital logistics platforms—together.

A Future Built on Trust and Co-Creation

As Japan deepens its engagement with India’s Industrial Smart Cities, the partnership is evolving from investment to co-creation.

With semiconductors in Dholera, automotive scale in AURIC, and digital logistics transformation through ULIP and LDB, Japanese companies are not just participating—they are helping shape India’s industrial future.

This collaboration reflects the broader vision of the India–Japan strategic partnership: A relationship built on trust, technology, shared values, and a commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.

Nobumitsu Hayashi, Governor Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) led a delegation to NICDC’s flagship project Dholera Special Investment Region to review the progress of India’s first Semicon City in November.