In this picture released on March 20, 2026, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu speaks during the budget session of the state assembly in Shimla. Photo: @CMOFFICEHP/X via PTI Photo
The Himachal Pradesh government plans to invest ₹3,000 crore in the tourism sector and step up efforts to promote a green industry suited to its unique geographical and ecological conditions, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.
Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Himachal Pradesh annual conference on March 19 on the theme “Building a Future-Ready Himachal Pradesh for a Better Tomorrow: Leveraging Local Strengths for Global Competitiveness”, the Chief Minister urged industry leaders to invest in the state’s tourism, food processing and information technology sectors.
“The government plans to invest ₹ 3,000 crore in tourism in the coming years. Heliports are being built at district headquarters and top tourist destinations across the state and heli-taxi services have already been introduced with plans to expand the facility. Besides, expansion of the Kangra airport is underway,” he said.
The chief minister said that any form of harassment of industrialists would not be tolerated and that their complaints could be taken directly to him.
He said a “Bulk Drug Park” is being built at Haroli in Una district with several incentives offered to investors.
Emphasizing the need to strengthen the single window system, he said that all industrial permits should be provided at one place and that the Ministry of Industry must actively facilitate investors.
A growing economy
Himachal Pradesh’s economy is expected to grow by 8.3% in 2025–26, up from 6.4% in the previous financial year, according to the State Economic Survey 2025–26.
A survey presented by Chief Minister Sukhu during the ongoing budget session of the State Assembly on Friday showed that the preliminary estimates put the gross state domestic product (GSDP) at constant prices (2011-12), or real GDP, at ₹156,681 crore for 2025-26, up from ₹64.68 crore. 2024–25, showing a growth rate of 8.3%.
According to the survey, Himachal Pradesh’s per capita income is estimated at ₹283,626 in 2025–26, an increase of 9.8% over the previous year and remains ₹64,051 higher than the national average.
“Growth reflects sustained economic activity across key sectors despite global uncertainty and climate challenges,” the survey said in a statement.
The survey noted that tourist arrivals to Himachal Pradesh have picked up again after the Covid-19 pandemic, with domestic tourists rising from 32.13 lakh in 2020 to 311.47 lakh in 2025, including religious visitors.
Published – 21 March 2026 02:59 IST
