Cabinet approves 4 Chip plants in Odisha, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh

The Union Cabinet has approved four semiconductor projects, entailing a total investment of Rs 4,594 crore, for Odisha, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday. The proposals have been approved under the India Semiconductor Mission, which has an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore to provide financial support for setting up chip manufacturing facilities in the country. With six projects already underway, the four new approvals bring the total to ten semiconductor initiatives with cumulative investments of approximately Rs. 1.60 lakh crore across six states. These projects are expected to create over 2,000 skilled jobs directly and generate many more indirect employment opportunities. These projects complement India’s growing chip design capabilities supported by government initiatives benefiting 278 academic institutions and 72 startups, along with talent development programs training over 60,000 students to meet industry needs.

VIDEO | In a post-cabinet meeting briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "...We have approved semiconductor projects to boost electronic manufacturing in India. 4 projects have been approved today, out of which 2 are of highly advanced technology. First, in Odisha, a… pic.twitter.com/2owQBoKfPs

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an investment proposal worth Rs 8,146.21 crore for the construction of the 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh. The project is expected to be completed in 72 months. With an installed capacity of 700 MW (4×175 MW), the Tato-II HEP will generate an estimated 2,738.06 million units of electricity annually. The power produced will not only strengthen the energy supply in Arunachal Pradesh but also contribute to balancing the national power grid. The project will be executed through a joint venture between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The Centre will provide Rs458.79 crore as budgetary support for roads, bridges, and associated transmission lines, along with Rs436.13 crore in Central Financial Assistance for the state’s equity share.

The Union Cabinet further approved Phase-1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project in Uttar Pradesh. The new corridor will span 11.165 km and include 12 stations—seven underground and five elevated—with a total outlay of Rs5,801 crore. Once operational, Phase-1B will expand the city’s metro network to 34 km, offering a major boost to urban mobility. The new line will over some of the oldest and most densely populated parts of Lucknow, currently underserved by public transport. The corridor will connect prominent commercial hubs such as Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj, and Chowk; healthcare facilities like King George’s Medical University; major tourist attractions including Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Bhool Bhulaiya, Clock Tower, and Rumi Darwaza; as well as the city’s famous culinary zones.