Dynamic City-Regions in India Presentations for five (5 ... - Unido

Brief History of Vadodara city and Gujarat region:
Formed in 1960 as a separate State, Gujarat over the last 42 years emerged as a leading industrialised state in
the country proving to be, the ultimate destination for many investors India and from abroad to make
profitable investment. Gujarat, the second most industrialized State in India, has been on the industrial map of
the world since the late eighteenth century with its long-standing trade links with Europe, the Middle-East and
African countries. Situated in the Northwest part of the Indian peninsula, the State of Gujarat is bound by
Rajasthan in the North Madhya Pradesh in the East, Maharashtra in the Southeast, Arabian Sea in the West
and Pakistan in the Northwest. The State is endowed with abundant natural resources, the largest coastline in
India, industrially congenial atmosphere, entrepreneurial people and a comparatively high standard of living.
Progressive and constructive policies adopted by the consecutive State Governments coupled with the
inherent geographical advantages, have converted Gujarat into one of the most encouraging investment
location in India. A fully developed infrastructure network, dependable power supply, adoption of advanced
technologies and a highly motivated and skilled workforce are behind the phenomenal emergence of Gujarat
from the status of eighth industrialized State in India in 1960, to the present second rank.
Gujarat is the centre of the Indian cotton-textile industry. With the population of 4.88% of the country’s, yet
contributes 11% of India’s GNP and 10% to the national consumption. Gujarat is amongst the first 4 States
having per capita income above the national average. In Gujarat exists 3 Stock Exchanges and the 4 th is
coming up. Gujarat enjoys with Maharashtra the highest productivity per employee/worker in India.
Strategic location giving accessibility to the western markets-Gateway and other developed countries. The
State has also been successful in achieving industrial dispersal to a great extent with a number of industrial
areas emerged around the whole State.
Gujarat contributes about 16% of total export in the country, and is the leader in export of dyes, intermediates,
drugs & pharmaceuticals, diamond, gems & Jewellery with a share of about 40%, 45% and 70% of total
export in the country respectively. Gujarat also contributes significantly in ready-made garments and export in
handicrafts. With its 1600 km long coastline, Gujarat contributes with an export of about 10% of marine
products of the country.
The State has also been successful in achieving industrial dispersal to a great extent. Islands of progress like
UMBERGAON, VAPI, HAZIRA, etc in South Gujarat; HALOL-KALOL, VAGHODIA, SAVLI, and
NADIAD in Central Gujarat; KADI, MEHSANA, KALOL, and AMBAJI in North Gujarat; MORBI, SIKKA,
MITHAPUR, JETPUR, VERAVAL, have come up. These are in addition to city centres and peripheral areas
of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar.
It is an odd feature of Gujarat that IT has never been a priority, as it has with other states. Vadodara had the
fortune of having some of the most competent persons. This helped in the overall development of the State
and of the Railways in particular.
Vadodara (Baroda) attraction
Vadodara is situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri (whose name is derived from the great saint Rishi
Vishwamitra). The city was once called Chandravati, after its ruler Raja Chandan, then Viravati, the abode of
the brave, and then Vadpatra because of the abundance of banyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri. From
Vadpatra it derived its present name Baroda or Vadodara.
Vadodara (Baroda) is one of the India’s most cosmopolitan cities. So, the culture of the city is not just history
or heritage; it is dynamic, ever changing and alive. Thanks to the vision and broadmindedness of the
subsequent industrialisation, the increase of academic activities and a strategically important geographical
location.
More or less every Indian community has an active identity in this city. And this happy co-existence is
reflected in the social and cultural life of the people. In all of this, the sprawling and cosmopolitan University
campus and the large number of local, national and foreign industries act as a catalysing and unifying force.
The average Barodian is open to the world and overflowing with hospitality, as the history and growth of the
city can easily be testify. Vadodara (Baroda) is blessed by its geography and its history. It is the home of a
vibrant internationally renowned university which, is a key component of India’s industrial base.
Ahmedabad-Vedorara industrial belt: This region became important textile region with the decline in the
textile industries in Mumbai. The industries in the region are now diversified. Besides textiles and textile
machinery and Petro-chemicals other industries in the region are diamond, diesel engines, and
pharmaceuticals.
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