Indian States with SEZs 2025 at the top

1. Overview & Purpose of SEZs

• Mission: Increase exports, foreign direct investment (FDI), and create jobs.

• Governance: Governed by Special Economic Zones Act, 2005.
• The Major Incentives: Taxation, duty-free imports, single-win clearance, and excellent infrastructures.

2. Comparison of States in terms of the number of SEZs within them.
Rank State / Union Territory Number of Operating SEZs
1    Tamil Nadu    51
2    Telangana    38
3    Maharashtra    38
4    Karnataka    37
5    Andhra Pradesh    25
6    Gujarat    21
7    Kerala    20
8    Uttar Pradesh    14
9    Haryana    8
10    West Bengal    7
3. Key State-Wise Highlights

• Tamil Nadu (Rank 1 - 51 SEZs):
  • Contribution: The contribution in the total number of SEZs in India is almost one-fifth.
  • Major industries: IT, Automobile, Textiles and Electronics.
  • Large Hubs: Chennai and Coimbatore.
• Telangana (Rank 2 - 38 SEZs):
  • Specialization: IT and Pharmaceuticals.
  • Primary Hub: Hyderabad.
  • Efforts: Government programs such as T-Hub have been provided to promote innovation and startups.
• Maharashtra (Rank 3 - 38 SEZs):
  • Major Industries: IT, Manufacturing and Pharmaceuticals.
  • Major Centers: Mumbai, Pune and Nashik.
  • Infrastructure: The advantages of big ports such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT).
• Karnataka (Rank 4 - 37 SEZs):
  • Specializations: Technology, Aerospace and Biotechnology.
  • Primary Hub: Bengaluru.
  • Support: Government active policies in support of research and start-ups.
• Andhra Pradesh (Rank 5 - 25 SEZs):
  • Major Sectors Pharmaceuticals, Aquaculture, and Engineering exports.
  • Focal point: Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam.
  • Power: Strengths of connection with the sea and industrial belts.