India's Top 5 Business-Friendly Cities; Is Yours on the List?
India’s business ecosystem has witnessed significant reforms in recent years, driven by the Digital India mission, startup culture, and policy shifts favoring entrepreneurs. Among these developments, the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) index, developed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has become a critical benchmark for evaluating how conducive different Indian cities are for businesses to thrive. In this article, we explore the top 5 Indian cities leading the Ease of Doing Business rankings in 2025, taking into account infrastructure, regulatory environment, digitization, and access to resources.
Hyderabad continues to be a front-runner in promoting entrepreneurship and industry growth. As the capital of Telangana, the city has leveraged policy-driven reforms and technology infrastructure to create a startup-friendly environment. Efficient governance, startup incubators, and simplified compliance processes make Hyderabad a hub for innovation and ease of doing business. Why Hyderabad ranks high:
As the commercial hub of Gujarat, Ahmedabad has become a leading choice for businesses due to its pro-investment policies and strong infrastructure support. Ahmedabad’s blend of economic vibrancy and policy support positions it as a preferred business destination. What gives Ahmedabad an edge:
Bengaluru, frequently referred to as the , has become a symbol of the nation’s information technology boom. But beyond its startup fame, the city has consistently ranked high for ease of doing business due to its infrastructure and digital governance. Despite urban challenges, Bengaluru’s tech-forward approach and skilled workforce maintain its stronghold on business efficiency. Key drivers of Bengaluru’s performance:
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A surprise performer, Indore has risen as a dark horse in the EoDB rankings. With continuous administrative reforms, Indore has transitioned from a clean city to a smart city ready for business. Indore is a rising star, offering a balanced environment for startups, MSMEs, and large enterprises. Why Indore is climbing fast:
Pune has evolved from a manufacturing and educational hub to a rising IT and industrial power center. Its proximity to Mumbai and growing infrastructure investments make it a strong contender in the ease of doing business rankings. Pune’s evolving infrastructure and proactive governance offer a powerful mix for businesses looking to scale. Pune’s business-friendly highlights:
The Ease of Doing Business rankings are not just a reflection of governance efficiency but also a signal to investors and entrepreneurs about where opportunities are ripest. Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Indore, and Pune represent India’s evolving urban economic landscape—each with its unique strengths but united by a commitment to growth and innovation. As India continues to rise as a global economic powerhouse, these cities will play a critical role in shaping the future of business in the country.
Written by Pydimarri Hema Harshini