Gujarat to Introduce 'Ultra Mega Industry' Category, Targets Rs 10,000-Crore Investments and 3,000 Jobs

The Gujarat government is preparing to introduce a new industrial classification called 'Ultra Mega Industries' as part of its upcoming industrial policy, expected to be unveiled within the next two weeks. The move is aimed at drawing large-scale investments into the state while significantly boosting employment in high-growth sectors. According to a draft policy report cited by media sources, the new category will define ultra mega industrial units as projects in designated thrust sectors that involve a minimum investment of Rs 10,000 crore and generate employment for at least 3,000 people. The framework also includes scaling provisions: for every additional Rs 5,000 crore in investment, companies will be required to create at least 500 more jobs. This represents a notable shift from the state's existing classification, under which projects exceeding Rs 10,000 crore are currently treated as 'mega industries' under the Atmanirbhar Gujarat scheme. The new category is designed to formally recognise and support an even larger tier of industrial projects with enhanced policy backing. Alongside the new classification, the draft policy proposes expanding Gujarat's list of 'thrust sectors' from nine to sixteen. The newly proposed additions include semiconductor ancillary units, nuclear power equipment manufacturing, drone manufacturing, robotics manufacturing, vehicle scrapping facilities, e-waste recycling units, textile waste recycling industries, shipping container manufacturing and heavy earth-moving equipment manufacturing — a list that signals the state's intent to align its industrial base with emerging global technology and sustainability trends. The existing thrust sectors, including the green energy ecosystem, mobility, capital equipment manufacturing, critical mineral processing, textiles and apparel, sustainability industries, agro and food processing, chemicals, and healthcare, will continue to remain central to the state's industrial strategy, officials said, describing the approach as a balanced mix of traditional and future-ready industries. Companies that qualify under the new 'ultra mega' category could receive incentives of up to 40% on capital investment, according to sources familiar with the draft. Eligible firms will also be able to choose from a menu of incentive options, including capital subsidy, interest subsidy and power tariff benefits — a flexible structure intended to enhance Gujarat's attractiveness as an investment destination and improve its ease-of-doing-business profile. A senior government official said the new category has been introduced specifically to define ultra-large industrial projects and tailor incentives based on the scale of investment and employment generated. Industry observers believe the move could position Gujarat as a leading hub for high-value manufacturing and advanced technology investment in India, reinforcing the state's broader push towards mega-scale industrial growth and large-scale job creation.