Fuelled by mega highway projects and solar projects, Rajasthan scaled up five positions from eighth to third in attracting investment in FY 2025. Rajasthan now is fast catching up more industrialised states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, which occupy the top two slots.
This a big leap for a state which has proved its mettle in financial prudence and formulating the investment matrix.
The state attracted an investment of Rs 4.65 lakh crore from Rs 1.10 lakh crore in last years – a steep jump of more than 300%. Not only quantum of investment has increase but also the number of new projects climbed from 501 to 873.
India's overall fresh investment grew 25.35 percent year-on-year in FY2025, rising from Rs 35.23 lakh crore to Rs 44.15 lakh crore, with new projects increasing from 10,448 to 11,720.
“There is a clear mandate from the top leadership. We not only have to look for big ticket investment but we also need to rope in MSMEs to garner jobs in the state. The chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is taking regular follow up and review,” said a senior official, who is directly involved in drawing investment for the state.
What did the magic for Rajasthan?
Rajasthan government organised Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit in its first year. It attracted investment of more than Rs 35 lakh crore creating a long pipeline of investment. The state government didn't sit in the laurels of having the largest investment announcements. It appointed specialised officers to follow up and facilitate in implementing the investment proposals on ground. The team also continuously identified areas where more investment can be drawn.
The efforts bear fruit and Rajasthan suddenly became the destination to go to for fresh investment.
The Challenge ahead
Well begun is half done. Rajasthan has been able to draw the attention of big industry players, corporates and investors. Now the real test will be project execution, not announcement. A fourfold rise in committed capex means little unless the highway contracts are awarded, the solar capacity is commissioned, and private investors follow public-sector leads with their own capital.
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