Intex Expo 2026: Punjab Sees Major Investment Growth, Says Minister Sanjeev Arora
January 17, 2026
ETT News / Ludhiana
Punjab Cabinet Minister for Industries, Commerce and Local Government Sanjeev Arora on Friday said that investment in Punjab has doubled and more major inflows are expected in the coming months, as he visited Intex Expo 2026 at the Ludhiana Exhibition Centre in Sahnewal.
Arora visited the exhibition, where over 250 companies from across the country showcased advanced construction materials, new technologies and finished products. The expo was jointly organised by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Punjab Chapter and the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI), and drew large participation from architects, town planners and industry professionals.
During the visit, the minister, along with Director Town and Village Planning Department Neeru Katyal Gupta and ITPI Punjab Chairman Pankaj Bawa, inaugurated the ‘Saanjh 2.0’ programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination between architects and town planners in urban development and planning.
Addressing the gathering, Arora said such exhibitions play a key role in strengthening Punjab’s industrial ecosystem by encouraging innovation and knowledge sharing. He said the state has recently been recognised by the Government of India as a top performer in the startup ecosystem and had earlier earned national recognition for ease of doing business.
The conference featured participation from senior town planners, district town planners and architects from across Punjab. Two parallel exhibitions, titled “Pachan” and “Amanat,” displayed more than 250 professional entries, which received wide appreciation from visitors and experts.
To promote excellence and innovation, the minister announced cash awards of ₹50,000, ₹30,000 and ₹20,000 for the best exhibition entries.
Arora also stressed the need for active cooperation from architects in implementing the self-certification system for building plan approvals. IIA Punjab Chapter Chairman and Ludhiana Smart City Director Pal Singh Ahluwalia assured full support from the architectural fraternity.
The minister accepted a request from the IIA Punjab Chapter to include architects’ representatives in advisory committees related to town planning and Ishpal Committees, asking the organisation to submit a formal proposal.
A delegation of 30 small furniture industrialists from Madhya Pradesh, led by Anil Thagle, Nodal Officer (RAMP) and Chief General Manager of the Small Industries Corporation of Madhya Pradesh, met Arora and discussed potential investment opportunities in Punjab.
Interacting with the media, Arora said a new exhibition centre is being developed at the Punjab Agro site on Jalandhar Bypass. He added that Halwara Airport is fully ready and will become operational soon after completion of remaining technical formalities in coordination with the Central Government.
He also said the state government is working to make cities wire-free and that tenders have been floated for remaining areas after successful implementation in one sub-division.
The event was attended by senior officials and professionals, including Pankaj Bawa, Mandeep Kaur, Gautam Kumar, Rajan Tanri, and architects Dinesh Bhagat, Balbir Bagga and Arjun Deep.
Punjab Investment News Sanjeev Arora Intex Expo 2026 Ludhiana Exhibition Punjab Industries Startup Ecosystem Ease Of Doing Business
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