Himachal Pradesh’s growth in 2025-26 pegged at 8.3%, says economic survey

The Himachal Pradesh government plans to invest ₹ 3,000 crore in the tourism sector and accelerate efforts to promote green industries suited to unique geographical and environmental conditions, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.

Addressing the annual conference of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Himachal Pradesh on March 19 on the theme ‘Building a Future-Ready Himachal Pradesh for a Better Tomorrow: Leveraging Local Strengths for Global Competitiveness’, the Prime Minister urged industry leaders to invest in the State’s tourism, food processing and information technology sectors.

“The government plans to invest Rs 3,000 billion in tourism in the coming years. Helipads are being constructed in district headquarters and major tourist spots across the state and helicopter taxi services have already been launched with plans to expand this facility. Also, the expansion of Kangra Airport is also in progress,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that any form of harassment against industrialists would not be tolerated and their complaints could be forwarded directly to him.

He said that a ‘Bulk Pharmaceutical Park’ has been developed at Haroli in Una district, where various incentives are being offered to investors.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen a single-window system, he said all industrial clearances should be provided at a single point, and that the State industries department must actively facilitate investors.

rising economy

According to the State Economic Survey 2025-26, Himachal Pradesh’s economy is estimated to grow 8.3% in 2025-26, up from 6.4% in the previous fiscal.

The survey, tabled by Chief Minister Sukhu during the ongoing budget session of the State Assembly on Friday, showed that as per preliminary estimates, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at constant prices (2011-12) or real GDP for the year 2025-26 is estimated at 156,681 crore compared to 144,656 crore in 2024-25, showing a growth. rate is 8.3%.

According to the survey, the per capita income of Himachal Pradesh is estimated at ₹ 283,626 in 2025-26; It recorded a growth of 9.8% compared to the previous year and remained above the national average of ₹64,051.

“Growth reflects sustained economic activity in key sectors despite global uncertainties and climatic challenges,” the survey statement said.

The survey noted that tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh rebounded post the Covid-19 pandemic and domestic tourists, including religious visitors, increased from 32.13 lakh in 2020 to 311.47 lakh in 2025.