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

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

Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Himachal Pradesh annual conference on March 19, themed ‘Building a Future-Ready Himachal Pradesh for a Better Tomorrow: Harnessing 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 constructed at district headquarters and prominent tourist destinations across the state, and heli-taxi services have already been introduced, with plans to expand this facility. Additionally, the expansion of Kangra Airport is in progress,” he said.

The Chief Minister said any form of harassment of industrialists would not be tolerated and that their grievances could be brought directly to his notice.

He said a ‘Bulk Drug Park’ is being developed at Haroli in the Una district, with several incentives offered to investors.

Emphasising 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

Himachal Pradesh’s economy is projected to grow at 8.3% in 2025–26, up from 6.4% in the previous financial year, according to the State’s Economic Survey 2025–26.

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

According to the survey, the per capita income of Himachal Pradesh is estimated at ₹283,626 in 2025–26, registering a 9.8% growth over the previous year and remaining ₹64,051 higher than the national average.

“The growth reflects sustained economic activity across key sectors despite global uncertainties and climatic challenges,” a statement from the survey read.

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