Energy, steel, textiles cos line up ₹5.5 trn investment in Chhattisgarh: CM

The state aims to increase its gross domestic product (GDP) from Rs 5.68 trillion in FY25 to Rs 6.35 trillion by the end of the current financial year

A wide clutch of companies from the energy, steel, and textile sectors has pledged investments totalling ₹5.5 trillion in Chhattisgarh, following the rollout of the state’s new industrial policy, Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai said on Wednesday.

 

“Energy companies alone have committed ₹3.5 trillion, with the steel sector investing an additional ₹1 trillion. The remaining investments come from various players in the textile, cement, and mining industries,” Sai said in an exclusive interview.

 

Of the ₹3.5 trillion earmarked for the energy sector, companies plan to ramp up thermal and renewable power capacity by 12,000 megawatt (MW) each, along with an additional 4,000 MW from nuclear power firms.

 

Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Steel & Power is expanding its steel manufacturing capacity from 3.6 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 9 mtpa.

 

The state aims to increase its gross domestic product from ₹5.68 trillion in 2024–25 to ₹6.35 trillion by the end of the current financial year, targeting a 7.5 per cent growth rate, outpacing the national average.

 

“To support this growth, we’re lifting the state’s capital expenditure to ₹26,000 crore, up from ₹22,000 crore, focusing on infrastructure development,” Sai said.

 

“In addition, central public sector undertakings and the Union government are investing ₹25,000 crore to further upgrade infrastructure.” Sai is currently in Mumbai, engaging with business leaders and said the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Public sector giant NTPC is planning to invest ₹80,000 crore in a nuclear power project and is actively seeking land in the state.

 

The New Industrial Development Policy 2024–29, which took effect on November 1 last year, aligns with updated definitions under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006. It offers targeted incentives to promote balanced industrial growth across Chhattisgarh. Tourism has also been granted industry status under the policy.

 

“We’re offering special incentives to boost tourism, especially homestays, ensuring that the revenue directly benefits local households,” Sai added.

 

Speaking on the overall investment climate, the CM observed that with the Naxalite situation improving, the state is looking to attract investments in the Bastar region of southern Chhattisgarh.

 

“Tourism will be our focus in Bastar. We’re confident the Naxal issue will be resolved by next year with the support of the central government,” he said.

 

“We are developing Naya Raipur as an information technology hub. Several software companies are already operating from Naya Raipur. We have introduced attractive provisions for investment in this sector,” he said, adding that Naya Raipur holds marked potential in the medical tourism sector. “We are making special provisions for pharmaceutical, textile, and other industries,” he added.

 

On reforms under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, Sai said his government has launched Single Window 2.0. “Anyone wanting to start a new enterprise or startup can get clearances from multiple departments with a single click,” he added.

 

On the development of new airports, the CM said that under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, the government has strengthened connectivity by developing airports in both the southern and northern parts of Chhattisgarh.

 

“Recently, the PM inaugurated an airport in Ambikapur. Efforts have been made to resource the airport in Jagdalpur. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has also improved connectivity here, and positive results are already visible,” he said.