NICDC Advances Industrial Development in Bihar with Launch of Bihar Integrated Manufacturing City Gaya Limited

The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) marked a significant milestone in advancing industrial development in Bihar with the formal launch of Bihar Integrated Manufacturing City Gaya Limited (BIMCGL) by the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Samrat Choudhary, at Bodh Gaya today. The event also marked the inauguration of the curtain raiser of Bihar Business Connect 2027, highlighting the State's industrial potential and investment opportunities.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prospective investors for approximately 300 acres of industrial land at IMC Gaya. These MoUs represent proposed investments of around ₹4,200 crore and an estimated employment potential of 16,095 opportunities. The proposed investments span sectors including food processing, automobile components, medicinal products, pharmaceuticals and other manufacturing activities.

Earlier, the Government of Bihar had also executed MoUs with prospective investors across multiple sectors at IMC Gaya, covering approximately 2,586 acres of land, with a total proposed investment of ₹31,750 crore and an estimated employment potential of 52,050 opportunities.

The programme was attended by approximately 250 delegates, including the Ambassadors and senior representatives of the Embassies of Japan, Thailand and Laos, senior government officials, representatives of the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), industry associations and prospective investors. Representatives of Bihar Foundation Chapters from 55 countries also participated virtually.

During the programme, the Chief Minister unveiled the BIMCGL logo and launched its official website and Integrated Land Allotment Portal, aimed at strengthening investor facilitation, improving transparency and streamlining industrial land allotment.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Samrat Choudhary reiterated the State Government's commitment to accelerating industrial development, attracting investments and generating employment through improved infrastructure and investor-friendly initiatives.  Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Kumar Choudhary made special mention of NICDC's role in the planning and development of IMC Gaya.

Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, highlighted the Government's determination to strengthen industrialisation in Bihar with continued support from the Central Government, particularly for promoting manufacturing, MSMEs and employment generation.

The programme was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Speaker of Bihar Vidhan Sabha Shri Prem Kumar and Minister of Industries Ms. Shreyasi Singh, along with other senior dignitaries. The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting industrial development and facilitating investments.

BIMCGL is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for implementing the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) at Gaya, being developed under the Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) as part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). Spread across 1,670 acres in Dobhi block of Gaya district, the project was approved by the Government of India on 28 August 2024 at a total cost of ₹1,339 crore, including land cost. It is expected to attract investments of approximately ₹16,500 crore and generate employment opportunities for around 1.10 lakh people.

Incorporated on 6 January 2025, BIMCGL is a joint venture between the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) and the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT), with equal equity participation. As the dedicated implementing agency, BIMCGL will expedite project execution through coordinated planning, infrastructure development, statutory clearances, utility connectivity and investor facilitation. The institutional framework will enable faster decision-making, effective monitoring and timely resolution of implementation-related issues.

Infrastructure development at IMC Gaya is progressing, with the State Government having taken possession of the entire project land. The Government of India released the first tranche of equity amounting to ₹132 crore in September 2025 against the transfer of 415 acres. Project Management & Construction Supervision Consultant and EPC contractor for trunk infrastructure works had already been onboarded. The physical construction has already commenced.

Construction of an exclusive helipad at IMC Gaya is also at an advanced stage. It will enhance accessibility for investors, business delegations and senior officials, facilitating project monitoring and investment promotion activities.

The industrial cluster is being developed with integrated infrastructure, including internal roads, water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment facilities, power distribution, solid waste management and fire safety systems. Its strategic location near NH-22 and NH-19, with Gaya Airport approximately 39 kilometres away, provides connectivity to major industrial and commercial centres. NICDC's role in planning the above, including assessing industrial water requirements and ensuring year-round water availability through adequate water storage facilities to support sustainable industrial operations, was formally acknowledged during the launch.

IMC Gaya will focus on sectors including agro-based industries, textiles and readymade garments, furniture, handicrafts and handloom, and engineering and fabrication. The planned infrastructure will support large manufacturers and MSMEs, encourage local entrepreneurship and strengthen industrial value chains across the region.

The curtain raiser of Bihar Business Connect 2027 provided an opportunity to showcase Bihar's investment potential and engage with prospective investors, industry associations and international stakeholders. The launch of BIMCGL reinforces the partnership between the Government of India and the Government of Bihar in developing modern, investment-ready industrial infrastructure.

With a dedicated institutional framework, ongoing infrastructure development and sustained investor engagement, BIMCGL is poised to accelerate the development of IMC Gaya as a major manufacturing destination in eastern India, contributing to Bihar's industrial transformation and the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

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C N Abhijith Narayanan/Shabbir Azad