Gujarat CM launches eight new Smart GIDC Estates across five districts

VADODARA: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday launched eight new Smart GIDC Estates spread across five districts, marking the latest expansion of the state's industrial infrastructure during the inaugural session of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Central Gujarat.

The new Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estates will be developed across Kheda, Ahmedabad, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur and Bhavnagar districts, covering a combined area of 3,611 acres.

The announcement was made in the presence of Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, diplomats, investors and industry representatives attending the two-day conference in Vadodara.

The Chief Minister formally inaugurated the new industrial estates by pressing a remote button during the event.

Announcing the initiative from the conference stage, officials described the project as a significant step in Gujarat's industrial development.

"Keeping pace with time is progress, but thinking ahead of time is Gujarat. There was a time when industrial estates meant only concrete structures, but today we are about to turn a new page in industrial history," they said.

The launch formed part of the state's broader industrial development agenda showcased at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, which focuses on promoting regional investment, expanding industrial infrastructure and strengthening Gujarat's position as a manufacturing and investment destination.

Earlier in the conference, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said Gujarat had prepared a 20-year economic master plan for Central Gujarat and was targeting Rs 10 lakh crore in fresh investments over the next five years under the newly launched 'Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026'.

He also highlighted the state's emphasis on faster approvals, improved governance and sector-specific industrial growth.

The Smart GIDC Estates are expected to add to Gujarat's network of industrial estates developed by the GIDC, providing planned industrial infrastructure to support manufacturing and investment across strategically located districts.

The launch comes as the state government seeks to expand industrial capacity beyond established manufacturing clusters while encouraging balanced regional development through new industrial ecosystems across Gujarat.