View of GIFT Metropolis (Gujarat Worldwide Finance Tech Metropolis) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. File |Picture Credit score: The Hindu
Gujarat has secured the highest place amongst main states in NITI Aayog’s first-ever Funding Friendliness Index 2026, rising because the nation’s main funding vacation spot, in accordance with a report launched by the Chief Minister’s Workplace on Saturday (July 18, 2026).
Amongst 17 main states, the state scored 56.6 factors, larger than Maharashtra (53.7 factors) and Tamil Nadu (53.3 factors). The index evaluates states throughout 84 indicators based mostly on eight pillars protecting your entire funding lifecycle, together with coverage and governance, infrastructure, enterprise facilitation, and monetary administration.
The report mentioned Gujarat’s coverage stability, investor-centric governance and streamlined enterprise facilitation mechanism contributed to its prime rating. The Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb) has been credited with offering end-to-end investor help by way of a single-window approval system, whereas the state’s time-bound framework for statutory approvals and no-objection certificates (NOCs) has helped cut back delays in venture implementation.
The report additionally famous that restrictions on strikes in important providers have helped keep industrial peace, leading to few industrial accidents and offering a secure working atmosphere for companies.
Gujarat’s industrial infrastructure is acknowledged as considered one of its key strengths. Industrial hubs corresponding to Dholera Particular Funding Area (SIR), GIFT Metropolis, Sanand, Dahej, Jagadia and Saika had been highlighted for providing plug-and-play services that allow industries to ascertain operations quicker whereas lowering venture prices and execution occasions.
The report additionally credited the colourful Gujarat International Summit for attracting home and worldwide funding commitments and strengthening Gujarat’s place as a worldwide funding vacation spot.
By way of logistics and connectivity, Gujarat accounts for nearly 10% of India’s state freeway community, which is nearly 4 occasions the nationwide common, the report mentioned. “Gujarat has the longest estimated freeway size within the nation at 635 km, and almost 7% of India’s rail community passes by way of Gujarat. “Diminished journey occasions and extra environment friendly logistics have additional improved the competitiveness of the provision chain,” it added.
The report cites the facility sector as one other aggressive benefit. Industrial electrical energy tariffs in Gujarat are almost 29% decrease than the nationwide common, with industries receiving a median of 23.8 hours of energy provide per day, which is larger than the typical for main states. “The mixture of decrease charges and secure provide has diminished working prices and elevated productiveness,” the corporate mentioned.
Highlighting Gujarat’s financial efficiency, the report mentioned the state accounts for 31% of India’s merchandise exports and recorded the third highest gross state home product (GSDP) development price amongst states from 2019 to 2024.
Gujarat’s per capita GSDP is ₹2,64,232 which is almost 67% larger than the typical of main states. The report additionally identified the robust Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem within the state supported by a wholesome share of small and micro enterprises.
The report additional highlighted Gujarat’s fiscal administration. In 2024-25, the state recorded a fiscal deficit of two.81% of GSDP, which was the bottom amongst all states. Debt excellent is roughly 18% of GSDP, almost 40% decrease than the typical for main nations.
The report additionally acknowledged Gujarat’s innovation ecosystem and identified that the state has arrange 614 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) by FY25. Gujarat has an ATL of 1.24 per 100,000 folks, almost 19% above the typical for main states, and has a robust ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship and rising know-how.
