Infrastructure of Gujarat | Gujarat State PSC (GPSC) Preparation: All subjects - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

Gujarat's Robust Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships

• Gujarat is renowned for its strong infrastructure and pioneering role in Public-Private Partnerships, earning recognition as "Asia’s Biggest Investment Infrastructure Opportunity Centre." The state has strategically developed highly efficient and cost-effective infrastructure that fuels its urban and industrial growth.
• Gujarat's relentless pursuit of comprehensive development has positioned it as one of the youngest yet most dynamic states in the Indian Federation, earning it the title of the "Growth Engine of Gujarat." Since 2003, the term "Vibrant" has become synonymous with Gujarat, enhancing its national and international reputation.
• Despite the global economic slowdown, the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit 2009, held in Ahmedabad, attracted pledged investments exceeding Rs. 12 lakh crore. Over 8,500 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the state government and prospective investors, with the potential to create over 25 lakh additional employment opportunities. The previous three editions of the summit in 2003, 2005, and 2007 together attracted promised investments of over Rs. 6.34 lakh crore, while the 2009 summit alone secured MoUs worth Rs. 12 lakh crore.
• Gujarat's infrastructure includes an extensive network of:
  • Physical Infrastructure
  • Telecommunication and IT Infrastructure
  • Social Infrastructure
  • Industrial Infrastructure
  • Education Infrastructure
  • Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
  • Water Infrastructure
  • Chemicals and Petrochemicals
  • Power and Energy Infrastructure
  • Tourism
  • Integrated Gas Grid and Energy Security
  • Rural and Urban Development

Ports of Gujarat 

• Gujarat is home to several government agencies that oversee the development of infrastructure facilities such as roads, ports, power, and industrial parks. 
• As a leader in economic development, the state has set a benchmark for others to follow and is actively pursuing infrastructure development with the aim of creating "World Class Infrastructure," positioning itself as "Gujarat – The World Class Growth Engine." 
• To this end, the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board was established in 1995 to act as a catalyst for development in both hard and soft sectors, focusing on planning, coordination, and more.

Industrial Park Infrastructure

• The Industrial Parks Scheme in Gujarat was introduced in 2002, known as the "Industrial Parks Scheme 2002" through private agencies. Gujarat's Industrial Policy emphasizes creating more opportunities in the Industrial, Commercial, and Service Sectors to boost the flow of industrial investment. 
• With the phasing out of Sales Tax Incentive schemes, there have been ample investment opportunities with improved facilities and infrastructure. The State Government has plans for extensive infrastructure development and the provision of social amenities on a larger scale, attracting industrialists and entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in the state's established estates.

Investment-Oriented Parks

• An investment-oriented industrial park is one not classified as an employment-oriented or hi-tech park, where the total fixed capital investment in the industrial units being established amounts to Rs. 500 crore or more, including the investment for setting up the industrial park.

Export-Oriented Parks

• An Export-Oriented Park is a unit that exports more than 50% of its production. The goal is to double exports in the next ten years and attract more private sector involvement in infrastructure services.

Eco-Industrial Parks

• The State Government aims for "Zero Waste" through Eco-Industrial Parks, which play a crucial role in preserving Gujarat’s natural beauty. Conservation and management tools like eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are vital for maintaining environmental purity. 
• An eco-industrial park is an industrial park where businesses collaborate with each other and the local community to reduce waste and pollution, efficiently share resources such as information, materials, water, energy, infrastructure, and natural resources, and work towards sustainable development, thereby increasing economic gains and improving environmental quality.

Power Sector in Gujarat

• Gujarat has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade and leads the country in per capita electricity consumption. Looking ahead, Gujarat is planning substantial investments to generate greater economic momentum. The anticipated levels of industrialization, along with rising urbanization and income levels, will result in significantly higher demand for power.
• By 2020, the energy units required are expected to be nearly two and a half times the current generation. Gujarat will need to secure its fuel supply, most of which is imported. The state also has significant untapped potential for energy generation from renewable sources, which it needs to exploit. The availability of power at competitive tariffs can help position Gujarat as a competitive destination for industries while enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. This will support the revival and development of rural industries and reduce migration from rural to urban areas for employment.

Future infrastructure projects in Gujarat

Special Investment Regions (SIRs)

• To establish large-scale investment regions and industrial areas as global hubs for economic activity, supported by world-class infrastructure, the Government of Gujarat enacted "The Gujarat Special Investment Region Act-2009," which came into effect on January 6, 2009. 
• The SIR concept aligns with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, a major industrial area located within 150 km on either side of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), which spans 1,499 km from Dadri-NCR to JN Port-Mumbai. Out of the 24 industrial nodes identified along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, 6 are situated in Gujarat.