Hinduja Group Signals Strong Investment Interest in Punjab During Mumbai Roadshow
Punjab's ambitious push to establish itself as a premier global investment destination received a significant boost on Tuesday, as the Hinduja Group, a renowned worldwide diversified conglomerate, expressed keen interest in exploring opportunities within the state. This development emerged during detailed discussions with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who is leading a strategic investment outreach in Mumbai ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026.
Punjab's Investment Landscape: A Surge in Proposals and Job Creation
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann underscored Punjab's robust economic trajectory, revealing that the state has garnered investment proposals worth an impressive ₹1.5 lakh crore since March 2022. These proposals hold the potential to generate over 5.3 lakh jobs, positioning Punjab as an emerging hub for industrial growth and innovation. Mann emphasized that Punjab's industrial journey has taken a dynamic turn, with the state evolving into a powerhouse across diverse sectors.
Key Strengths and Opportunities Highlighted by the Chief Minister
During the meeting, Mann presented Punjab as a stable, future-ready, and business-friendly destination, citing several compelling advantages:
- Infrastructure and Connectivity: Excellent road, rail, and air links, coupled with a robust telecommunications network.
- Resource Availability: Surplus power and a skilled workforce to support industrial operations.
- Ease of Doing Business: Punjab ranks as a Top Achiever in this domain, with initiatives like the Fast Track Punjab Portal streamlining approvals.
He highlighted significant investment opportunities in sectors such as electric vehicles, financial and digital services, cybersecurity, renewable energy, healthcare, and real estate. Mann also noted that Punjab remains the Food Basket of India, contributing substantially to the national grain pool, and hosts international companies like Nestlé, Claas, and Danone.
Governance Reforms and Policy Initiatives Driving Growth
The Chief Minister detailed several governance reforms designed to attract and facilitate investments:
- Fast Track Punjab Portal: A single-window system offering over 200 approvals and services, ensuring zero offline applications and expedited clearances.
- Punjab Right to Business Act: Provides in-principle approval within five days for eligible units up to ₹125 crore, featuring time-bound clearances and deemed approvals.
- Support Mechanisms: WhatsApp alerts, AI chatbots, and call centres enhance real-time responsiveness for investors.
Mann explained that the New Industrial Policy of 2022, shaped in consultation with industry leaders, underpins this reform agenda. Additionally, 24 sectoral committees chaired by industry experts have been constituted to frame targeted policies.
Mumbai Investment Roadshow: Deepening Corporate Engagement
The two-day Mumbai Investment Roadshow, part of Punjab's strategic outreach, aimed to extend invitations for the upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026 and deepen engagement with key stakeholders. On the first day, the delegation held one-on-one meetings with prominent entities including Hindustan Unilever Limited, Motilal Oswal Group, Cargill India, and the Hinduja Group.
Discussions focused on investment prospects in FMCG, agri-business, food processing, energy, logistics, manufacturing, packaging, and creative industries. The roadshow concluded with a session involving representatives from Tata Consultancy Services, Accenture, UPL, and other major firms, who shared insights on Punjab's industrial potential and governance environment.
Global Partnerships and Future Outlook
Mann highlighted that Punjab's growth story is gaining global recognition, with investments flowing from countries like Japan, the United States, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. Recent engagements in Japan and South Korea have strengthened partnerships in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, electronics, and renewable energy. He noted that companies in Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul have expressed confidence in Punjab's governance model and skilled workforce.
Inviting industry leaders to the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026, scheduled from March 13 to 15 at Plaksha University in Mohali, Mann reiterated the state government's commitment to positioning Punjab as a preferred investment destination in North India through continuous reforms, infrastructure development, and proactive facilitation.
