8. BARDHAMAN
Growth rate: 6.6%
Situated nearly 100 km north-west of Kolkata, Bardhaman is the headquarter of the district of the same name. With nearly 58 per cent of the population earning their livelihood from agriculture, Bardhaman has earned the name of 'granary of West Bengal'.
Rice grown in the area is supplied to various parts of India and also exported to the neighbouring countries. Though predominantly an agricultural area, Bardhaman also houses a number of industries backed mainly by rich mineral sources available in the area and also imported from the neighbouring Indian states of Bihar, Orissa and Assam.
The industrial belt of Bardhaman has mainly developed embracing the Asansol and Durgapur sub-division. Two most prominent industrial units of the area are Durgapur Steel Plant and Durgapur Alloy Steel Plant.
Other industries that thrive in the area include coal-based industries, chemicals and power plants. The Damodar Valley Project has gone a long away in meeting the irrigational need of the region.
Indian Iron and Steel Industry (IISCO) forms the economic backbone of Asansol area. It is the oldest pig iron and iron casting unit in India. Chittranjan Locomotive, a government undertaking, supplies locomotive parts all over India. Several cottage industries have also developed in the area that support the area's rural economy.
Also read: Commercial realty booms in tier-III cities
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