The Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, revealed plans to transform Chhota Udepur district into India’s upcoming sports equipment manufacturing hub and Vadodara district into the largest Blue Economy hub in the country. This initiative is part of a 20-year ‘Central Gujarat Economic Master Plan’ aimed at enhancing industrial capabilities and expanding into sectors like aerospace and defense. Central Gujarat, known for its industrial strength, contributes significantly to the state’s economy.
Sanghavi emphasized Central Gujarat’s pivotal role in the state’s industrial growth, blending historical heritage with innovation. With nearly 28% of the state’s manufacturing output coming from this region, Central Gujarat exported products exceeding USD 20.5 billion during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The area houses over 65 Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estates, hosting more than 24,000 operational industrial plots.
Central Gujarat stands out for its manufacturing prowess, dominating sectors like automobile and auto component production, beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment manufacturing. Sanghavi highlighted the region’s leadership in the global supply chain, particularly in the mentioned sectors. Moreover, he commended the growth of the aerospace and defense ecosystem, citing the Tata-Airbus C295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara as a significant milestone.
The Tata-Airbus C295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara symbolizes India’s shift towards domestic manufacturing in the defense sector. Sanghavi underlined the significance of this development, marking a transition from importing defense equipment to producing aircraft domestically. He praised the successful test flight of the ‘Made in India’ Tata Airbus C295, signifying a new era in India’s industrial capabilities and self-reliance.
