Industrial regionalisation refers to the spatial distribution and concentration of industries in specific regions based on geographical, economic, and infrastructural factors. In India, industrial development has not occurred uniformly. Instead, certain regions have emerged as industrial hubs due to favourable conditions, while others have remained industrially backward.
Table of Contents
1. Meaning and Importance
Industrial regionalisation helps in:
- Understanding why certain areas attract industries.
- Planning balanced regional development.
- Promoting resource-based industrialisation.
- Identifying industrial disparities and addressing them through policy.
2. Factors Influencing Industrial Regionalisation in India
The spatial distribution of industries in India depends on a variety of physical and socio-economic factors:
- Raw Material Availability: e.g., steel plants in Jharkhand and Odisha (near iron ore and coal mines)
- Power Supply: e.g., Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand with thermal and hydroelectric sources
- Transport Facilities: e.g., Mumbai and Kolkata, with access to ports and railways
- Market Proximity: e.g., Delhi NCR and Mumbai for consumer goods
- Skilled Labour and Technology: e.g., Bengaluru for software and electronics
- Government Policy and Incentives: e.g., SEZs in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh
3. Major Industrial Regions in India
India’s industrial development is concentrated in a few major regions:
a. Mumbai-Pune Industrial Region
- One of India’s oldest and most developed regions.
- Key industries: textiles, chemicals, automobiles, electronics, engineering.
- Supported by Mumbai port, road-rail connectivity, and a strong financial base.
b. Hugli Industrial Region (West Bengal)
- Developed around Kolkata and along the Hugli River.
- Industries: jute, engineering, paper, chemicals.
- Benefited from historical trade routes and British-era industrial base.
c. Ahmedabad-Vadodara Region (Gujarat)
- Known for cotton textiles, petrochemicals, and engineering.
- Availability of capital, enterprising communities, and better infrastructure.
d. Bengaluru-Chennai Industrial Region
- High concentration of IT, software, electronics, automobiles, and biotechnology.
- Supported by a skilled workforce, international airports, and policy incentives.
e. Chotanagpur Plateau Region
- Rich in mineral resources (iron, coal, bauxite).
- Major industries: steel, cement, power generation, mining.
- Important cities: Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Durgapur.
4. Emerging Industrial Regions
With improved infrastructure and investment policies, new industrial regions have emerged:
- Hyderabad – Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, IT (Genome Valley, HITEC City)
- Noida-Greater Noida-Gurugram – Electronics, mobile phones, software services
- Visakhapatnam-Kakinada – Petrochemical and port-based industries
- Coimbatore – Textiles, pumps, auto components
5. Industrially Backward Regions
Several regions still lack industrial development due to:
- Poor infrastructure
- Lack of capital and skilled labour
- Difficult terrain and political instability
Examples: Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, most parts of North-East India.
6. Government Initiatives for Balanced Regionalisation
To reduce regional imbalance, the government has taken several steps:
- Development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
- Make in India initiative to attract investment
- Industrial Corridors like Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
- Infrastructure development under Sagarmala and Bharatmala projects
- Financial incentives for industries in backward and tribal areas
Conclusion
Industrial regionalisation in India reflects the interplay of natural resources, infrastructure, policy, and entrepreneurship. While certain regions have surged ahead due to favourable conditions, others lag behind. Promoting equitable industrial growth through focused regional planning, investment in infrastructure, and skill development is essential for India’s balanced and sustainable economic development.