A New Era of Investment in Himachal Pradesh: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Unveils Mega Industrial Roadmap

VIDYASAGAR-19/07/2026

SHIMLA — In a major bid to transform Himachal Pradesh into a leading industrial hub and a self-reliant state, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has thrown open the gates for investors, declaring the state as one of the best and safest investment destinations in the country.

Presiding over the Chandigarh Leadership Conclave and the 23rd Annual General Meeting organized by ‘The Indus Entrepreneurs’ (TiE) Chandigarh, the Chief Minister invited top entrepreneurs to capitalize on the state’s investor-friendly environment, promising absolute administrative support and seamless handholding.

ODTP

1. New Industrial Policy & Uninterrupted Affordable Power

Announcing a landmark incentive for the industry, the Chief Minister revealed that the state government is finalising a New Industrial Policy. Under this policy:

• Industries will be guaranteed 24/7 uninterrupted power supply.

• Electricity tariffs for industrial units will be kept highly subsidized and competitive.

Addressing the state’s fiscal transition, CM Sukhu noted that since the implementation of GST, Himachal’s industrial revenue dipped drastically from ₹4,000 crore to around ₹150–200 crore. To counter this, the government is introducing radical, investor-friendly amendments tailored to the state’s unique geographical terrain.

2. Punjab Termed ‘Big Brother’; 3-Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Secured

Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s status as a ‘Power Surplus’ state, the Chief Minister warmly referred to neighbouring Punjab as Himachal’s “Big Brother.” He announced that a three-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is being signed to supply electricity to Punjab, a move that will further fortify the historic ties between the two states.

Additionally, he mentioned that active dialogue is underway to secure Himachal’s rightful 7.19% share in Chandigarh.

3. Massive Opportunities in IT Infrastructure & Green Energy

Presenting Himachal Pradesh as an eco-friendly development model, the Chief Minister highlighted key sectors ripe for investment:

• Information Technology: A world-class IT Park is being developed at Kandaghat in the Solan district. Simultaneously, the state is aggressively building robust data storage infrastructure to support tech giants.

• Green Energy: Himachal is rapidly moving towards becoming a pioneer in Green Hydrogen production. Furthermore, Biochar plants are being set up across the state, and a geothermal energy project has already been successfully commissioned in the Kinnaur district.

4. Infrastructure Overhaul: Seamless Rail and Air Connectivity

To provide robust logistics support to industries and give a fillip to tourism, the state is heavily investing in connectivity:

• Baddi-Nalagadh Rail Line: The state government is bearing 50% of the land acquisition and construction costs for the Chandigarh-to-Baddi railway line. The project is slated for completion within the next three years, directly benefiting the industrial belts of Baddi and Nalagarh.

• Kangra Airport Expansion: The runway expansion will facilitate larger aircraft, boosting both tourism and corporate travel.

• Heliport Network: A robust network of heliports is under construction to eventually connect all district headquarters via commercial helicopter services.

5. “Himachal is Completely Safe for Tourists Even in Monsoon”

Addressing concerns regarding climate change and natural calamities, the Chief Minister pointed out that cloudbursts and environmental challenges are global phenomena, not restricted to Himachal alone.

Assuring travelers, he stated that Himachal Pradesh remains entirely safe for tourists during the monsoon, noting that a population of nearly 75 lakh residents lives normally throughout the season. He urged tourists to travel without fear, advising them only to maintain a safe distance from rivers and streams based on weather forecasts.

6. Rural Economy and Health Tourism Form the Core Focus

CM Sukhu emphasized that the current Congress government is progressively working towards an ‘Aatmanirbhar Himachal’ (Self-Reliant Himachal) by strengthening the rural economy.

The government has placed Health, Education, Tourism, and IT at the top of its developmental agenda. Medical colleges are undergoing massive upgrades, and the state will soon roll out effective policy frameworks to aggressively promote ‘Health Tourism’.

Dignitaries Present at the Event:

The high-profile conclave saw the presence of RS Bali, Chairman of HP Tourism Development Corporation; MLAs Suresh Kumar and Sundar Singh Thakur; Ajay Verma, Vice-Chairman of HRTC; former MLA Satpal Raizada; Congress leader Pawan Thakur; Dr. Nipun Jindal, Director of Digital Technology & Governance; Puneet Varma, President of TiE Chandigarh, along with prominent industry captains and startup founders from across the region.