In a significant announcement highlighting the state's economic momentum, Punjab's Industries Minister, Sanjeev Arora, declared on Thursday that the state has successfully attracted a colossal investment of Rs 1.50 lakh crore since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government assumed office. This substantial financial inflow has directly led to the creation of more than 5 lakh new employment opportunities for the people of Punjab.
Major Investments Fueling Punjab's Industrial Growth
The minister provided a detailed breakdown of several high-value investments pledged in just the last five months, showcasing strong corporate confidence in the state. The list includes a Rs 2,600 crore commitment from HPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) and a massive Rs 3,000 crore investment from Vardhman Steels. Other notable commitments are Rs 2,000 crore from the Trident Group, Rs 1,400 crore from IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited, and Rs 1,000 crore from Happy Forgings Limited.
Further bolstering the state's diverse industrial base, investments have come from Veerka Beverages Private Limited (Rs 987 crore), Fortis Healthcare in Mohali (Rs 900 crore), Amber Enterprises India Limited (Rs 500 crore), and a Rs 285 crore investment by tech giant Infosys Limited. Toppan Speciality Films Pvt. Ltd. has also announced an investment ranging between Rs 300 to 400 crore.
Ease of Doing Business and Upcoming Progressive Punjab Summit
To sustain this investment trajectory, Minister Arora emphasized the government's focus on streamlining processes. He stated that the administration is ensuring all industrial approvals are granted within a strict timeline of 5 to 45 days. Key reforms include amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act, 2020, which now permit eligible enterprises to start or expand operations based on self-declaration, receiving in-principle approvals in just 5 to 18 days. Approximately 2,000 units have already benefited from this expedited process.
Furthermore, the Change of Land Use (CLU) process has been simplified by removing the requirement for standalone industries in permissible zones, reducing another significant bureaucratic hurdle for investors.
Looking ahead, the minister announced that the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors Summit-2026 is scheduled to be held from March 13 to 15, 2026, in Mohali. This event is anticipated to provide a major boost to the state's industrial ecosystem by showcasing opportunities and facilitating partnerships.
New Industrial Policy on the Horizon
In preparation for a targeted industrial push, the Punjab government has constituted 24 specialised sectoral committees to ensure direct industry consultation. Each committee is chaired by a prominent industrialist from its respective sector, ensuring practical and actionable inputs. Minister Arora confirmed that all committee reports have been submitted, and a new, comprehensive industrial policy is on the anvil, slated for release by January 2026.
This multi-pronged strategy of attracting mega-investments, simplifying regulations, and engaging with industry stakeholders underscores the state government's concerted effort to position Punjab as a premier investment destination and a powerhouse of job creation in India.
