AP & Telangana Among Top 5 States With More SEZs

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are created mainly to promote economic growth by boosting exports, to attract domestic and foreign investment, and also generate employment opportunities. As of 2025, India has 279 SEZs, with Tamil Nadu having the maximum number of 51, in the country. TN is followed by Telangana and Maharashtra, with 38 SEZs each.

Interestingly, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are among the top five states having the maximum number of SEZs, indicating that the governments of both the Telugu states are investing their efforts in boosting the economy and also generating employment. The SEZs are governed by the SEZ Act, 2005, offering tax incentives and world-class infrastructure.

While Telangana has 38 SEZs, mainly occupied by pharma units and IT firms, Andhra Pradesh has 25 SEZs. The Capital city of Hyderabad is home to large technology parks and biotech SEZs, facilitated by a strong startup ecosystem and government support. The Telangana State Industrial Infrastructural Corporation Ltd. (TSIIC) plays a pivotal role in developing these zones.

With 25 SEZs, Andhra Pradesh uses its long coast and ports to drive the export of pharmaceuticals, aqua products. Further, the NDA government is luring several foreign investors to open businesses in the state, by offering several incentives and also streamlining the Ease of Doing Business procedure. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his Cabinet colleagues have been criss-crossing the globe to attract investments into the state, stressing on the easing of rules and tax incentives they could gain by shifting their focus from other states.

Coming to the other top states with the maximum number of SEZs, Karnataka stands fourth after Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh in the fifth position, Gujarat in sixth, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh in 7th and 8th positions. Haryana and West Bengal occupy ninth and 10th positions respectively in the list.