- Gujarat is set to strengthen its position as India’s leading export and manufacturing hub with the addition of two new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proposed by Essar Power Ltd and Arham SEZ (I) Pvt Ltd.
- The projects, located in Devbhumi Dwarka and Kutch districts, are expected to generate over ₹27,600 crore in exports and create nearly 10,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years.
- The approvals have been granted on an in-principle basis, marking an important step toward expanding Gujarat’s industrial and export ecosystem.
Essar Power to Develop Biofuel-Focused SEZ
Essar Power has received approval to establish a multi-sector SEZ at Kajurda village in Devbhumi Dwarka district.
Key Details
- Area: 56.65 hectares
- Initial investment: ₹50 crore
- Projected exports: ₹17,629 crore
- Employment generation: Around 894 jobs
- Approval status: In-principle approval valid for one year
According to officials, Essar plans to establish:
- A biofuel complex
- Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) manufacturing facilities
- Alternative fuel production units
The project aligns with India’s push towards:
- Sustainable aviation fuels
- Energy transition
- Green fuel manufacturing
Arham SEZ to Build Free-Trade Warehousing Zone Near Mundra
Arham SEZ (I) Pvt Ltd has secured approval for another multi-sector SEZ at Vadala near Mundra Port in Kutch district.
Project Highlights
- Area: 94.19 hectares
- Investment: ₹230 crore
- Export potential: Nearly ₹10,000 crore
- Employment generation: About 9,000 jobs
The company plans to develop:
- A Free-Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ)
- Logistics infrastructure
- Warehousing and export facilities
Its proximity to Mundra Port is expected to provide:
- Efficient cargo handling
- Improved trade connectivity
- Lower logistics costs
Combined Impact: ₹27,600 Crore Exports and 10,000 Jobs
Together, the two projects are expected to:
- Generate exports worth over ₹27,600 crore
- Create nearly 10,000 jobs
- Strengthen Gujarat’s manufacturing ecosystem
- Promote green energy and logistics sectors
The approvals are valid for one year, after which the projects may receive final notification and operational clearances.
Gujarat Emerges as India’s SEZ Powerhouse
Gujarat already hosts 24 operational SEZs, making it one of India’s largest SEZ ecosystems.
Growth of Gujarat SEZs
| Indicator | FY15 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|
| Exports | ₹1.79 lakh crore | ₹3 lakh crore |
| Investments | ₹1.22 lakh crore | ₹2.28 lakh crore |
| Employment | 63,000 | 2.22 lakh |
The state’s SEZs currently contribute:
- Around 21% of India’s total SEZ exports
This demonstrates Gujarat’s growing importance in:
- Manufacturing
- Petrochemicals
- Engineering
- Electronics
- Logistics
- Renewable energy
Semiconductor Industry Adds Momentum
Gujarat is also emerging as a major semiconductor manufacturing destination.
Several companies have recently established captive SEZs, including:
- Micron Technology
- CG Semi
- Kaynes Semicon
- Tata Electronics
The state government and SEZ authorities are focusing on:
- High-tech manufacturing
- Electronics
- Semiconductors
- Export-oriented industries
Conclusion
The approval of new SEZ projects by Essar Power and Arham marks another important milestone in Gujarat’s industrial growth story.
With investments in biofuels, warehousing, logistics and export-oriented manufacturing, the projects are expected to generate substantial exports and employment while reinforcing Gujarat’s position as India’s leading manufacturing and export hub.
As sectors like semiconductors, green energy and logistics gain momentum, Gujarat’s SEZ ecosystem appears poised for another phase of rapid expansion.