The manufacturing sector has long been recognized as the backbone of Gujarat’s industrial economy. Boasting a rich legacy in industries such as textiles, chemicals, ceramics, and engineering, the state has also been nurturing emerging sectors like automobiles, auto components, electric vehicles, and green energy. In a bid to further strengthen the industrial landscape, Gujarat plans to launch around 35 dedicated industrial parks within the next 24-30 months, aiming to attract more investments.
These industrial parks will cater to various industries, including textiles, general engineering, agro-food, medical devices, bulk drugs, ceramics, vehicle scrapping, artificial jewellery, space, and more. Additionally, plans for dedicated parks for local tribal areas, drone technology, women’s enterprises, MSMEs, aerospace and defence, toy manufacturing, footwear, and gold-standard chemicals are also underway.
Taking a cluster-based approach, Gujarat aims to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and support capacity building for micro and small enterprises. The establishment of dedicated clusters within these parks will provide shared infrastructure, reducing capital expenditure requirements for industries. Ajit Shah, President of the Sanand Industries’ Association, highlighted the significant cost reduction benefits of common infrastructure amenities such as boilers, common effluent treatment plants, and renewable energy sources.
The government aims to offer subsidies up to 25% with a cap of Rs 30 crore to support industrial growth and maximize employment opportunities. The state anticipates the functional implementation of two to three dozen new industrial parks during the specified time period, with both government-backed and privately developed parks contributing to the initiative.
Industry experts have praised the government’s forward-looking strategy in developing dedicated industrial clusters for emerging sectors. The success stories of existing clusters in Sanand and Mandal Becharaji, where automobile industries thrived and attracted ancillary investments, serve as a testament to the potential impact of these upcoming clusters. A cluster-based approach is particularly crucial for indigenous arenas such as defence and aerospace, drone technology, and gold-standard chemicals, where infrastructure and ecosystem support are vital.
Moreover, Gujarat is set to fast-track the development of a proposed pharmaceutical park in Jambusar. This park, spanning 2,000 acres, will focus on the domestic production of key starting materials, active pharma ingredients, and pharma intermediates that are currently imported from China. The park is expected to house around 400 companies, attracting investments of over Rs 8,000 crore, and will significantly reduce raw material costs, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global market.
Mihir Patel, Vice President of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), emphasized the positive impact of the new industrial parks, particularly in the MSME segment, providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs within the state. As India’s share in the global supply chain continues to grow, MSMEs will play a crucial role in driving industrial development and increasing the country’s overall competitiveness.
With its ambitious plans for industrial expansion, Gujarat is poised to cement its position as a thriving manufacturing hub, offering various sectors a conducive environment for growth, innovation, and economic prosperity
