Gujarat Investment: Gujarat stood first among big states in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026. Industry, infrastructure and investment reforms became its major strengths. Know the complete details.
Gujarat Investment Friendliness Index 2026: Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Developed India @2047’ vision, Gujarat has made major achievements in the field of investment and industrial development. In the country’s first Investment Friendliness Index 2026 released by NITI Aayog, Gujarat has secured the first position in the category of big states by scoring 56.6 points. Gujarat left behind Maharashtra (53.7) and Tamil Nadu (53.3) in the evaluation of 17 major states. The state’s industry-friendly policies, transparent governance and pro-investment reforms under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel have received significant recognition in the ranking. This index has been prepared on the basis of 84 indicators and 8 key parameters. See below-
Investors’ confidence increased with Single Window System and easy NOC
According to the report, Gujarat’s iNDEXTb (Industrial Extension Bureau) provides investors with single window clearance and assistance in the entire investment process. This has made setting up industries easier and faster. Besides, the transparent and timely system of NOC also makes the state better for business. The report also said that labor disruption in the state is extremely low due to the ban on strikes in essential services, providing a stable work environment to the industries.
Industrial Infrastructure and Logistics created a strong identity
Industrial clusters like Dholera SIR, GIFT City, Sanand, Dahej, Jhagariya and Saikha are providing world-class plug-and-play facilities to investors. Due to this strong system, Vibrant Gujarat Summit is continuously attracting large domestic and foreign investments. Gujarat is also ahead in the field of logistics. The state has about 10% of the country’s state highways, 635 km of national expressways and 7% of the total railway network. Better connectivity and lower logistics costs provide competitive advantage to industries.
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Cheap electricity and strong economy become a big strength
According to the report, the cost of electricity for industries in Gujarat is about 29% lower than the national average and on an average electricity is available for 23.8 hours per day. This reduces production costs and increases investor confidence. Gujarat accounts for 31% of India’s total merchandise exports. The state’s per capita GSDP is ₹2,64,232, while the fiscal deficit in FY2024 stood at only 2.81%. Low liabilities and strong MSME network also reflect the economic strength of the state.
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Innovation and Startup Ecosystem got a boost
Gujarat is also continuously progressing in the field of innovation. By financial year 2025, 614 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established in the state. The number of ATLs per lakh population is higher than the average of larger states. This is creating a strong ecosystem for startups, new technologies and future industries, making Gujarat the first choice for investors.