Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the fastest-growing states in India. Being a sub-Himalayan state, Himachal Pradesh has a varied climate that changes with altitude. Known as the ‘Land of Gods’, it is famous for its topographic diversity and pristine natural beauty.

At current prices, Himachal Pradesh’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) is estimated to be Rs. 2.55 trillion (US$ 30.07 billion) in FY26. The state’s GSDP (in Rs.) increased at a CAGR of 8.36% between FY16 and FY26.

Under the State Budget FY26:

• Rs. 1,492 crore (US$ 175.5 million) has been allocated for capital outlay on roads and bridges.
• Rs. 684 crore (US$ 80.5 million) has been designated for the rural water supply program, while Rs. 311 crore (US$ 36.6 million) has been allocated for the urban water supply program.
• Rs. 951 crore (US$ 111.9 million) has been allocated towards the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and Rs. 133 crore (US$ 15.6 million) has been allocated for PM-POSHAN.
• Rs. 807 crore (US$ 94.9 million) is estimated to be spent on medical education, training, and research and Rs. 399 crore (US$ 46.9 million) has been allocated for the National Rural Health Mission.
• Rs. 63 crore (US$ 7.4 million) has been allocated for extension services and farmers training and Rs. 33 crore (US$ 3.9 million) has been allocated for the National Mission on Natural Farming.

Ministry of Pharmaceuticals inaugurated three new centers of the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET). These centers have been established in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a hub of drug manufacturing units and meets 35% of the demand for pharma products in Asia.

In October 2022, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-III for the upgradation of 3,125 km of rural roads in Himachal Pradesh with funds worth Rs. 420 crore (US$ 51 million). By May 2026, the state secured approval for constructing 3,123 km of rural roads and 43 bridges at a total cost of Rs. 3,345.81 crore (US$ 386.93 million) under the same scheme.

Himachal Pradesh will have the world’s longest and highest tunnel by 2025, which will connect Zanskar Valley in Ladakh to Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and will be 4.25 km in length.

Total exports from Himachal Pradesh stood at Rs. 7,186.05 crore (US$ 831.0 million) in FY26 (until July 2025).

The key items exported from Himachal Pradesh include drug formulations and engineering goods, cotton yarn, manmade yarn, fabrics and Madeups.

In FY25, exports of drug formulations and biologicals from the state stood at Rs. 1,370 crore (US$ 158.45 million).

As of August 2025, Himachal Pradesh had a total installed power generation capacity of 5211.16 MW, comprising 2488.18 MW under private utilities, 1193.20 MW (state utilities) and 1529.78 MW (central utilities).

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the cumulative FDI inflows in Himachal Pradesh were valued at Rs. 3,284.39 crore (US$ 410.07 million) between October 2019-June 2025.

According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Himachal Pradesh had 8.90 million wireless connections and 1,78,929 wireline subscribers, as of March 2025.

The Himachal Pradesh Government announced the allocation of 22 new hydropower projects totalling 828 MW on a 40-year lease, expected to generate Rs. 82.8 crore (US$ 9.58 million) in upfront premiums while boosting state revenue, employment, and regional development.

In May 2022, the Himachal Pradesh government announced plans to allot 27 hydro power projects in the state's Chamba, Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts, with a combined tentative generation capacity of 722.4 MW. Proposals from 'eligible bidders' have been invited for the implementation of these projects in the private sector on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis.

Himachal Pradesh has made significant achievements in the field of industrialisation in the past few years. The rich natural resources of the state are favourably suited for investments in major sectors such as procurement of agricultural produce, hydroelectric power, cement, and tourism. Himachal Pradesh has made significant achievements in the field of industrialisation in the past few years.

• In October 2025, the state approved 28 new industrial projects with an investment of Rs. 1,734.65 crore (US$ 200.61 million), expected to create around 5,388 jobs.
• In March 2022, the Himachal Pradesh Industries department signed 15 MoUs with investors amounting to Rs. 810 crore (US$ 104.62 million) for the upcoming Medical Device Park (MDP) at Nalagarh in Solan district.

The four agro-climatic conditions in the state support cultivation of multiple crops, vegetables and fruits around the year. The state government is focusing on increasing productivity levels besides diversification towards high-value crops. In 2021-22, the total production of horticulture crops in the state was estimated at 3,423.29 thousand metric tonnes and area under production was 280.75 thousand hectares. In 2021-22, the total production of vegetables and fruits was estimated at 2,048.35 thousand metric tonnes and 1,072.42 thousand metric tonnes, respectively.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given in-principle approval for two major four-laning projects in Himachal Pradesh, including the Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.16 billion) Shimla–Mataur stretch and the Rs. 12,000 crore (US$ 1.39 billion) Pathankot–Mandi corridor.

In October 2025, Chief Minister Mr. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced plans to develop a Cyber City over 650 bighas in Waknaghat, Solan district, featuring AI labs, data centres, and IT enterprises, while directing the timely completion of IT Parks in Kangra and Shimla by December 2025.

To provide infrastructure support to entrepreneurs, the Himachal Pradesh Government has developed 60 industrial areas and 17 industrial estates.

On June 30, 2025, The Union government approved an annual plan of Rs. 3,667 crore (US$ 440.39 million) for 2024-25 to develop roads, bridges and tunnels in Himachal Pradesh, including the Rs. 1,452 crore (US$ 166.34 million) Jalori Jot tunnel and Rs. 1,385 crore (US$ 158.67 million) Kala Amb to Paonta Sahib four-laning projects.

The tourism sector of Himachal Pradesh contributes 7% to the state GDP. In 2024, Himachal Pradesh recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall with 1.80 crore domestic visitors and 83,000 foreign tourists, marking a record high for the state’s tourism sector. As of December 2024, there were 9,843 registered hotels in the state.

Himachal Pradesh presents a strong investment and growth proposition, supported by sustained economic expansion, rising public capital expenditure, and sector-focused policy support. Robust infrastructure development, expanding hydropower capacity, growing pharmaceutical and industrial clusters, and improved connectivity are strengthening the state’s economic base. With rich natural resources, a diversified horticulture sector, increasing exports, and record tourism growth, the state is creating employment while promoting sustainable development. Backed by stable governance and targeted initiatives across infrastructure, industry, renewable energy, and services, Himachal Pradesh is well positioned for long-term, inclusive economic growth.