India, with its vast population of nearly 1.5 billion people, stands as the world’s second most populous country after China. Over time, the nation has witnessed significant transformations in its urban landscapes, economy, and transportation systems. Among its many urban centers, certain cities stand out as economic powerhouses, contributing immensely to the nation’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
| City | GDP (in $) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 400 billion |
| Bengaluru | 359 billion |
| Delhi | 272 billion |
| Kolkata | 220 billion |
| Chennai | 219 billion |
| Ahmedabad | 136 billion |
| Hyderabad | 83 billion |
| Pune | 69 billion |
| Surat | 49 billion |
| Visakhapatnam | 43 billion |
1. Mumbai (US$400 billion)
Mumbai is India’s largest city and Often referred to as the financial capital of India. It is located on the coast of Maharashtra state and serves as a major port for exports and imports by sea transportation. Mumbai contributes roughly 6% of the country’s overall GDP and employs 10% of the country’s manufacturing workers. Mumbai boasts the highest GDP among Indian cities1. Home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of India, and numerous multinational corporations, Mumbai is a hub for commerce, finance, and entertainment.
4. Bengaluru (US$359 billion)
Bengaluru is the state capital and third most populous city in Karnataka, which is located in southern India at an elevation of over 900 meters above sea level. It is India’s second-fastest-growing city and the fourth-fastest-moving consumer goods market.
2. Delhi (US$272 billion)
Delhi is India’s capital and second-biggest city, as well as the major commercial hub in northern India. Its workforce accounts for 32.82 percent of the country’s total population. Delhi boasts 129,000 industrial units, employing 1,440,000 people in the manufacturing sector, and has one of the fastest-growing retail businesses in the world.
3. Kolkata (US$220 billion)
Kolkata is the capital and largest city of West Bengal, as well as the third richest city in India and the main commercial hub of East and North-East India. The city is home to many industrial units, including steel, heavy engineering, mining, minerals, cement, pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, electronics, and textiles, with 40% of the labor force.
6. Chennai (US$219billion)
The biggest commercial and industrial hub of South India, located near the Bay of Bengal, is the capital and largest city of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city’s economy has a vast industrial foundation in the computer, technology, car, health, and hardware manufacturing sectors.
7. Ahmadabad (US$136 billion)
Ahmadabad, the capital of Gujarat and India’s sixth-largest city, is the decade’s third fastest-growing metropolis. Many of the world’s largest corporations are headquartered in Ahmadabad, including those in the pharmaceutical and textile industries.
5. Hyderabad (US$83 billion)
Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of Telangana, as well as India’s fourth-largest city. The city is the largest contributor to GDP, and the government of Telangana and India employs 197,253 people. The city is home to a number of significant industries, with information technology being one of them.
9. Pune (US$69 billion)
Pune, Maharashtra’s second-largest city and India’s seventh-largest, is emerging as a key destination for information technology and industry. Pune has the country’s sixth-highest per capita income.
10. Surat (US$59 billion)
Surat is the capital of the Gujarat state, as well as India’s eighth biggest and fourth fastest-growing city. Textiles, diamonds, corporate sectors, and Information Technology are all well-known in the city, which has India’s fastest-growing GDP.
8. Visakhapatnam (US$43 billion)
Visakhapatnam is Andhra Pradesh’s largest city, located on the southeast coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is the state’s commercial centre and has grown into a significant economic destination. The city was named one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.
