Once a small village in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Bhiwadi has transformed itself into one of the largest industrial hubs in the National Capital Region (NCR) over the past few decades. With its strategic location, low-cost land and labor, and favorable government policies, Bhiwadi has become a hotspot for industries and a booming real estate market.
A Cultural Blend of Rajasthan and Haryana
Contrary to its location in Rajasthan, Bhiwadi is culturally closer to Haryana. Many residents refer to it as a poor version of Gurugram due to its high-rise residential towers, but the city lacks facilities like parks and malls. However, things are changing for the better now, and Bhiwadi is on its way to becoming a more livable and vibrant city.
Many residents refer to Bhiwadi as a poor version of Gurugram because of the large number of high-rise residential towers in the city, but the lack of facilities like parks and malls.
An Industrial Powerhouse
Bhiwadi's industrial growth began in the 1970s when the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) established the Bhiwadi Industrial Area. Since then, the city has witnessed a steady influx of factories, including big names like Honda Cars and Asian Paints. Today, Bhiwadi is home to around 5,000 factories, employing over 400,000 people.
"What attracted industries here is the low cost of land and labor, and friendly government policies," says Surender Singh Chauhan, President of the Bhiwadi Manufacturers Association.
Affordable Housing Hub
The increasing number of factories in Bhiwadi led to a surge in housing demand. Unlike other NCR towns like Sonepat, Bhiwadi has emerged as a major group housing market, catering to the economically weaker section (EWS) and lower income group (LIG) categories. Around 8,000 of the estimated 25,000 apartments in the city fall under these categories, making Bhiwadi the low-cost housing hub of NCR.
The city witnessed a major realty boom between 2005 and 2014, when about 20 builders from Delhi, Gurugram, and Jaipur entered the market.
Ashiana Greens, the first apartment complex in Bhiwadi, was launched in 1993 by Ashiana Housing. Since then, the city has seen an influx of real estate developers, resulting in a major realty boom between 2005 and 2014. However, property prices have remained stagnant due to the oversupply and the city's poor connectivity and lack of social infrastructure.
Revitalizing Bhiwadi
Despite the challenges, Bhiwadi is undergoing a transformation. The Bhiwadi Integrated Development Authority (BIDA) was established by the Rajasthan government in 2018 to develop the Bhiwadi Integrated Township. Several initiatives, including the development of parks and the beautification of roads, are underway to make the city more livable.
The upcoming Dharuhera-Bhiwadi link road, being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will enhance connectivity with the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway. Moreover, the Khushkhera-Bhiwadi-Neemrana region is being developed as an industrial township under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project.
A Promising Future
While the demand for housing properties may have stagnated, Bhiwadi continues to attract industries. With the allotment of industrial plots to big firms such as Okinava scooters and Asian Paints, the city's industrial sector is thriving. The affordable cost of land compared to neighboring Gurugram and Manesar has been a major draw for companies like Honda Cars India.
Despite its challenges, Bhiwadi is poised for growth and promises a promising future. With ongoing developments, improved connectivity, and a focus on infrastructure, the city is gradually shedding its image as a poor version of Gurugram and emerging as a thriving industrial hub and affordable housing destination in the NCR.
Bhiwadi has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and the possibilities for its future are endless. With its industrial growth, affordable housing options, and ongoing developments, Bhiwadi is on track to become a dynamic and vibrant city in the NCR.
