Spatial Organisation and Economic Impact of Manufacturing Sectors in Ludhiana: A Cluster Analysis

Abstract

Ludhiana, a key industrial hub in India, boasts diverse and thriving manufacturing sectors. Understanding the spatial organisation of these sectors is crucial for optimising industrial planning and boosting economic growth. The authors have used locational quotient analysis and cluster analysis, based on registration data from Udyam Aadhar portal of Government of India including interviews with local stakeholders. The authors found that micro and small manufacturing enterprises dominate in Ludhiana both in terms of number of units and number of employees. Hosiery-knitwear manufacturing, bicycle parts manufacturing, and metal fastener manufacturing are prominent sectors in Ludhiana. The spatial concentration of hosiery and knitwear manufacturing is towards the northeast of Ludhiana, while bicycle parts and metal fastener manufacturing is concentrated in the southeastern part of the city. The backward linkages of all these sectors are stronger than their forward linkages, with most backward linkages located within the clusters. The hosiery and knitwear manufacturing sector has the highest number of shared infrastructures. These findings highlight the importance of localised industrial clusters in Ludhiana’s economic landscape and underscore the need for targeted policies to support these critical sectors.

Keywords

Industrial clusters, Spatial organisation, Manufacturing sector, Ludhiana.

Introduction

According to the National Sample Survey (NSS) 73rd round conducted during 2015-16, India had a total of 633.88 lakh Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Data from the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, reveals that the manufacturing sector constituted 31 per cent of these enterprises and contributed to 32 per cent of overall employment generation, providing jobs to 360.41 lakh individuals. Notably, majority of MSMEs are Micro and Small-scale Enterprises (MSEs) and are predominantly proprietary in nature. Undoubtedly, the MSME sector is integral to India’s economic growth and employment generation.

MSEs (Micro and Small Enterprises) often exist in clusters to foster a conducive environment for their development, innovation, and competitiveness. These clusters facilitate growth by enabling shared resources, exchanging knowledge, and providing easier access to markets. (Vicente 2018). Recognising this, policymakers and stakeholders are increasingly focused on assessing spatial organisation of micro and small-scale manufacturing enterprise clusters.

According to the 3rd Small Scale Industries (SSI) Census of India there were 1,223 registered SSI clusters producing 321 products and 819 unregistered SSI clusters covering 250 products across the country (Hashim, 2010). One such major cluster in North India is located in Ludhiana. Nicknamed as “The Manchester of India” for its textile and garment production, Ludhiana is an industrial hub in northern India. The city contributes 48.8 per cent of the microenterprises in the Punjab state and attracts labour from various parts of Northern India, particularly Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh (Mehra, 2017). The focal point of industrial activities in Ludhiana predominantly resides in the eastern sector, largely due to the Amritsar-Ambala railway line, which poses a significant physical demarcation (Tewari, 1998). However, despite Ludhiana’s prominence as a manufacturing hub for micro and small enterprises, there is a notable gap in empirical research concerning the identification of dominant manufacturing sectors, their spatial organisation, and their linkages with ancillary activities.

Literature Review

Industrial Clusters

The spatial concentration of people and economic activities was initially elucidated by Alfred Marshall in his work “Principles of Economics” in 1890 (Marshall, 2013). Marshall employed the concept of economies of scale to explicate the clustering of economic activities and defined the industrial district as a region where numerous specialised branches of industry are seamlessly integrated into an organic whole (Marshall, 1919). Michael E. Porter defines industrial clusters as geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialised suppliers, service providers, firms in the related industries, and associated institutions in a particular field that not only compete but also cooperate (Porter, 1990). Becattini’s definition of industrial cluster arguably comes closer to delineating an organically developed cluster, stating that for an industrial district to thrive, a population of small firms must merge with local residents possessing social and cultural characteristics conducive to a bottom-up industrialisation process (Becattini, Bellandi & De Propis L 2009). As outlined by these scholars, some common attributes of industrial clusters that define spatial organisation are, geographic concentration, networks and interconnectedness, supporting institutions and infrastructures.

Regional and Local Concentration of Industries

Many researchers explained that regional concentration of industry can be used to identify industrial cluster growth. This is measured by the location quotient (LQ) which describes the industrial growth in a particular region (Carroll, Reid & Smith 2008; Billings & Johnson 2012; Morrissey 2016; Ergen 2018; Niyimbanira, Eggink & Nishimwe-Niyimbanira 2020; Pominova, Gabe & Crawley 2021). Locational quotient analysis can be done using number of units (establishments) or number of employees generated. The establishment based method of analysis provides insights into the physical presence and distribution of industries, reflecting the diversity of economic activities within the region (Billings & Johnson, 2012).

The LQ (Location Quotient) value represents the ratio of an industry’s activity proportion in a region of interest to its proportion in a reference region. An LQ > 1 indicates a higher industry concentration, suggesting specialisation or comparative advantage. An LQ < 1 suggests a lower concentration, indicating potential areas for diversification or investment. An LQ = 1 indicates similar industry concentration in both regions. (Niyimbanira et al., 2020).

Local concentration of manufacturing within a city can be identified through the mapping of units and determining hotspots of different types of industries. The units of analysis can be wards or zones. The number of industrial units or employees within a ward can vary significantly from one ward to another.

Backward and Forward Linkages

Research by Hefner and Guimaraes examines the significance of backward and forward linkages in manufacturing location decisions. Their study reveals that both types of linkages play a significant role, with backward linkages showing greater statistical significance and exerting a larger impact on the probability of locating within a specific region (Hefner & Guimaraes, 1994).

By mapping the locations of primary industries, suppliers, and downstream activities, researchers can identify spatial patterns, hotspots, and potential areas of concentration within a cluster. This analysis enables policymakers and stakeholders to discern spatial dependencies, accessibility issues, and opportunities for spatial optimisation and infrastructure development.

Recent Studies on Industrial Clusters of Ludhiana

Recent literature about industrial activities in Ludhiana reveals a multifaceted impact on firm performance, influenced by various drivers including the micro-foundations of clustering and their interconnectedness (Kamaldeep, Shergill & Mehta, 2021). Gupta and Saini (2019) observed that garment production units in Ludhiana and Tirupur primarily operate as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), often relying on informal labour networks and exhibiting limited technological integration. Ray and Miglani (2022) found evidence of certain clusters that enhance inter-firm division of labour, competitiveness, and global market penetration. Ray and Sharma (2022) proposed a policy framework grounded in cluster economics to leverage CSR funds for impactful sustainability projects (Ray & Sharma, 2022). Kumar and Randhawa (2020) noted Ludhiana’s core as the primary economic growth pole, yet facing challenges of inadequate infrastructure amidst urbanisation. Rahman (2022) highlighted the presence of ancillary workers in industrial areas, underscoring the need for planned regularisation to mitigate the growth constraints of low-cost services  Kaur et al., (2021) emphasised the urgent need to address pollution in Buddha Nullah, Ludhiana, highlighting its degradation.

Research Gap

While theoretical literature extensively discusses the spatial organisation of the industrial clusters, focusing on factors like geographic concentration, networks and interconnectedness, supporting institutions and infrastructures. empirical research on the spatial organisation of manufacturing sector in Ludhiana remains lacking. Hence, this study aims to identify the significant manufacturing activities prevalent in the Punjab region of India, specifically focusing on Ludhiana city. It seeks to ascertain their concentration, identify common institutions and infrastructure, and analyse their specialisation, and interconnections with ancillary activities.

Methodology

The methodology employed in this study involved a multi-step approach to analyse the geographic concentration and industrial linkages within Ludhiana’s manufacturing sector. The research began with a Locational Quotient (LQ) analysis using data from the 2023 Udyam Aadhar registration portal, with Punjab serving as the reference region. This analysis aimed to identify the primary industries in Ludhiana, revealing sectors that were highly concentrated in the city with LQ >1. Following the LQ analysis, a ward-wise spatial analysis was conducted by mapping the location data of these manufacturing units across Ludhiana’s 95 wards. This mapping allowed for the identification of specific hotspots within the city, highlighting concentration patterns of prominent manufacturing sectors. This spatial analysis provided a visual representation of the industrial landscape in Ludhiana, illustrating the areas with significant industrial activity.

To further understand the industrial ecosystem, the study examined the network of backward and forward linkages within the identified manufacturing sectors. This analysis involved identifying and mapping key ancillary activities, such as raw material suppliers, transporters, and retailers. The strength and spatial distribution of these linkages were visually represented to illustrate the interconnectedness of manufacturing activities across different wards, emphasizing the role of these linkages in supporting the primary manufacturing sectors.

In addition to the spatial and linkage analysis, the study sought to understand the availability and effectiveness of common industrial infrastructure through a series of stakeholder interviews. These interviews were conducted with key industry representatives and local manufacturers from the three identified sectors. Specifically, the study included interviews with two members each from the Knitwear and Apparel Manufacturing Association, Ludhiana, representatives from the Bahadur ke Textile Knitwear Manufacturers Association, the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association, Ludhiana, and the Fasteners Manufacturers Association of India. The interviews also encompassed discussions with 11 knitwear and hosiery manufacturers, eight bicycle parts manufacturers, and eight metal fastener manufacturers, as well as four workers from each of these sectors.

These stakeholders provided valuable insights into the types of ancillary activities associated with particular manufacturing sectors and their locations. Stakeholders’ interviews also revealed about availability and adequacy of common industrial infrastructure, including fire stations, electric substations, common effluent treatment plants, transport hubs, training institutions, and dispensaries. A semi-structured interview format was used to allow for the collection of both quantitative data, such as the number of institutions and infrastructure facilities, and qualitative insights regarding operational challenges and the effectiveness of these facilities.

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected through the interviews, a validation process was undertaken by cross-referencing the information with secondary sources, including Google Maps and government websites.

Study Area: Ludhiana

Ludhiana, the largest city in Punjab in terms of both area and population, is located within Ludhiana district (Figure 1). Strategically positioned, it is the most centrally located of the 20 districts in the state. Belonging to the Malwa region of Punjab, Ludhiana is located between north latitude 30°34’ and 31°01’ and east longitude 75°18’ and 76°20’. It is strategically situated along the Amritsar-Delhi G.T. Road (NH-1) and the Amritsar-Ambala railway line, serving as vital transportation arteries within the state.

Situated on a ridge of Buddha Nullah, which once served as a riverbed of the River Satluj, Ludhiana’s urban expanse was historically confined to the south of Buddha Nullah. Covering an area of 159.37 sq.km, Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is divided into 95 wards. According to data from worldpopulationreview.com, as of the projected figures for 2024, Ludhiana’s population was estimated to reach 1,988,438 individuals, with males comprising 54 per cent and females 46 per cent of the population. These statistics are derived from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanisation Prospects. Other than this, the labour participation in hosiery and knitwear manufacturing is 44 per cent from Uttar Pradesh, 42 per cent from Bihar, 12 per cent from Himachal Pradesh. In the cycle parts cluster, the labour participation is 69 per cent from Uttar Pradesh, 18 per cent from Bihar and 12 per cent from Himachal Pradesh (Mehra & Singh, 2013).  

Figure 1: Location of Ludhiana

The industrial concentration in Ludhiana is predominantly located in the eastern part of the city, as outlined in the 2031 Master Plan (Fig. 2). To accommodate manufacturing activities, the Master Plan designates two distinct categories of land use: mixed-use and industrial. The areas with a mixed land-use character are further divided into two specific categories: commercial mix and industrial mix. The industrial mix category is intended for areas where industrial activities may coexist with residential development. Currently, the majority of manufacturing units are situated within the industrial and industrial mixed-use zones.

Figure 2: Master plan Ludhiana 2031 

Geographic Concentration

According to the 2023 Udyam Aadhar registration portal of the Government of India, Ludhiana saw the registration of 41,799 manufacturing units. Of these, 17,073 units were associated with textile manufacturing, and 10,729 units were involved in metal and machine parts manufacturing. Within the textile sector, 8,616 units specialised in hosiery and knitwear manufacturing. In the metal and machine parts sector, 1,784 units specialised in bicycle parts manufacturing, and 1,349 units specialised in metal fasteners manufacturing.

Prominent Industries in Ludhiana

According to data from the Ministry of MSME (2023), a locational quotient analysis was conducted to identify prominent manufacturing sectors in Ludhiana using NIC classifications. Considering Punjab as the reference region, three manufacturing categories in Ludhiana had locational quotient values greater than 1: knitwear and hosiery with LQ 2.562, metal fasteners with LQ 2.0, and bicycle parts with LQ 2.416 (Table 1). These sectors are highly concentrated in Ludhiana. However, a micro-level analysis is necessary to pinpoint the specific hotspots and understand the linkages of these activities within the city.

Table 1: Locational quotient analysis of major manufacturing sector in Ludhiana (NIC based)

Ward-wise Manufacturing Activities

Ludhiana comprises total 95 wards. Location data of manufacturing units has been meticulously gathered from the Udyog Aadhar Portal of the Government of India. The data was segregated ward-wise and mapped to show concentration of prominent industries in Ludhiana (Figure 3). Notably, the production of wearing apparel, knitwear, and hosiery is prominently located in the north-eastern part of the city. Conversely, the manufacturing of metal products and cycle parts exhibits a concentrated presence towards the south-western region.

Figure 3: Ward-wise number of manufacturing units in Ludhiana

Further granularity reveals specific hotspots for certain industries: Bahadur Ke Road, Sundar Nagar are central locations for knitted and hosiery manufacturing. The manufacturing of metal fasteners is notably concentrated in Focal Point, Industrial Area C, Janta Nagar, and Industrial Area B. Similarly, the production of parts and accessories for bicycles is highly concentrated in Gill road, Focal Point, Giaspura, and Janta Nagar. The spatial pattern also indicates that textile activities are concentrated along Budha Nala but metal fastener and cycle parts manufacturers are located near railway yards and major transport zones.

Network and Interconnectedness

Industrial clusters are closely intertwined with the strength and nature of backward and forward linkages in manufacturing activities. A cluster exhibits strong linkages with ancillary activities, serving as effective indicators for defining a manufacturing cluster within a local area. In Ludhiana, the dominant industrial activities have been identified to establish connections with various ancillary sectors including raw material suppliers, transportation, retail and wholesale units (Table 2). Linkages have been mapped and visually represented to understand their distribution across different wards of Ludhiana.

Table 2: Backward and forward linkages of major manufacturing units in Ludhiana

Hosiery and Knitwear Backward-Forward Linkages

The hosiery and knitwear manufacturing cluster demonstrates robust backward linkages with ancillary industries, notably machinery production resulting in the establishment of machinery manufacturers and suppliers (Tewari, 1999). Furthermore, an ancillary dyeing sector has surfaced in Ludhiana. Sub-contracting knitting firms play a pivotal role in the cluster’s value chain by supporting knitting units grappling with time constraints in fulfilling orders, particularly those involved in bulk orders or exports.

The final product is distributed both domestically, reaching various regions of the country, and internationally, through exportation outside India. In the domestic market, forward linkages are facilitated by intermediate agents, wholesalers, and retailers. 

Additionally, the cluster has witnessed the emergence of numerous clothing brands, further reinforcing forward ties to the manufacturing units.

The mapped linkages between manufacturing and ancillary activities of hosiery and knitwear show stronger backward linkage than the forward linkage (Figure 4). Also, the spatial spread of the industrial cluster is far beyond the concentration of hosiery and knitwear manufacturing units. The cluster includes wards with wholesale markets, transportation wards and some of the wards which have machinery manufacturing units at the south.

The backward linkages in the hosiery and knitwear manufacturing sector at Ludhiana exhibit a higher dependency on minor roads. This is due to the clustering of manufacturing units in close proximity, where they consist of mixed forms of units specialised in different activities within the same textile manufacturing process. These minor roads facilitate the efficient movement of raw materials and semi-finished goods between these closely situated units. On the other hand, major roads and railway lines have a more significant impact on the forward linkages. Finished products in the hosiery and knitwear sector tend to be shipped over longer distances, making proximity to these major transportation infrastructures crucial for efficient distribution and market access.

Figure 4: Backward and forward linkages of hosiery and knitwear manufacturing in Ludhiana

Bicycle and Bicycle Parts Manufacturing Backward Forward Linkages

The bicycle and bicycle parts manufacturing sector in Ludhiana has significant backward linkages with industries supplying chemical additives, steel wire, plastic or leather fibres, sheet metal, and metal fasteners, all crucial for production. Chemical additives enhance durability, steel wire forms structural components, plastic and leather fibres are used in seats and grips, sheet metal for parts like fenders, and metal fasteners for assembly. These linkages ensure a steady supply of essential materials, maintaining production efficiency. Additionally, the sector has forward linkages with transporters and wholesale retail markets, facilitating distribution to retailers and consumers. Spatial analysis shows stronger backward linkages, critical for the industry’s concentration in Ludhiana. (Figure 5)

The majority of cycle and its parts manufacturing units are concentrated near Gill Road, Dhandari Kalan, and Giaspura. Backward linkages within this sector primarily rely on minor roads for the movement of raw materials and semi-finished products. However, when it comes to forward linkages, Transport Nagar, the Dhandari Kalan railway goods yard, and major highways leading to Delhi, Amritsar, Firozpur, and Chandigarh play crucial roles in facilitating the distribution of finished goods to wider markets.

Figure 5: Backward and forward linkages of bicycle and bicycle parts manufacturing in Ludhiana

Backward and Forward Linkages of Metal Fastener Manufacturing

The metal fastener manufacturing industry in Ludhiana exhibits robust backward linkages with suppliers of steel wire and sheet metal, while also demonstrating forward linkages with transporters, wholesale markets, and retail outlets. These linkages are integral to the functioning and success of the industry, driven by specific reasons.

Backward linkages with steel wire suppliers are essential as steel wire serves as the primary raw material for manufacturing metal fasteners such as nuts, bolts, screws, and rivets. Sheet metal suppliers provide additional materials necessary for certain types of fasteners or for manufacturing components used in fastener production. On the other hand, forward linkages with transporters are vital for the distribution of finished metal fasteners from manufacturing facilities to wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately to end consumers. Also, wholesale markets serve as key hubs for bulk purchases by retailers and industrial consumers, while retail outlets cater to individual customers and small-scale buyers.

Backward and forward linkages of metal fastener manufacturing have been shown in Figure 6 with black lines showing backward and pink lines showing forward linkages. The highlighted wards show concentration of fastener industry and the spatial analysis also reveals that the backward linkage is stronger and significant than the forward linkage of the industry.

Forward linkages for fastener manufacturing are closely connected with the railway goods yard at Dhandari Kalan and Transport Nagar, located at the junction of Chandigarh Road and Delhi Road. These connections facilitate the efficient transportation of finished products to broader markets.

In contrast, backward linkages are primarily concentrated among the micro and small-scale units within the manufacturing cluster. However, there is a significant physical barrier that disrupts the linkages between metal fastener manufacturing and its ancillary activities located in Focal Point, Giaspura, and Dhandari Kalan. This barrier hinders the seamless flow of materials and coordination between these interconnected activities.

Figure 6: Backward and forward linkages of metal fastener manufacturing in Ludhiana

The overall findings indicate that Ludhiana’s manufacturing sector exhibits stronger backward linkages compared to forward linkages, supporting the theoretical proposition. Internal linkages show that primary manufacturing and ancillary activities are concentrated within the clusters, with communication and material flow optimised through their mixed existence within these clusters. (Fig. 7)

Forward linkages, on the other hand, are primarily facilitated by major highways leading to Amritsar, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Firozpur. The Railway Goods Yard and Transport Nagar serve as key transport hubs where goods are transferred from smaller vehicles to larger trucks and trains, enabling efficient distribution to broader markets.

Figure 7: Collective backward and forward linkages of major manufacturing sectors in Ludhiana

Common Industrial Institutions and Infrastructure

Common industrial institutions and infrastructure are crucial for the growth of micro and small-scale manufacturing enterprises (Table 3). In Ludhiana, these resources include industrial associations, training institutions, ESI dispensaries, export promotion councils, and key infrastructure like fire stations, electric substations, Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and transport hubs.

The hosiery and knitwear cluster stands out with five industry associations, compared to two each for cycle and metal fastener clusters. Four citywide Industrial Training Institutes provide ample skill development opportunities. An export promotion council benefits the hosiery cluster, enhancing global competitiveness. ESI dispensaries are numerous in the hosiery cluster, ensuring accessible healthcare. Each cluster has at least one fire station, but the hosiery cluster has fewer electric substations. Transport hubs are accessible to all clusters, facilitating efficient logistics. Environmental sustainability is highlighted in the hosiery cluster with two CETPs, unlike the other clusters. Overall, the hosiery and knitwear clusters benefit from the most extensive support, while bicycle and metal fastener clusters have moderate support.

Table 3: Common Industrial Infrastructure and Institutions in Ludhiana

Discussion and Conclusion

Micro and small-scale enterprises play a vital role in the economy and employment landscape of India. Ludhiana stands out as a hub for such enterprises, making it a compelling case study for comprehending industrial concentration and the associated ancillary activities linked to micro and small-scale enterprises. The findings of this study illuminate the spatial configuration of manufacturing activities within Ludhiana, Punjab, India, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of industrial clusters in the region. By empirically examining the spatial organisation of manufacturing sectors in Ludhiana, a research gap is addressed, considering the city’s significant industrial activities, which have been previously overlooked in the literature.

The study reveals the dominance of hosiery and knitwear manufacturing in Ludhiana, closely followed by bicycle manufacturing and metal fastener production, with high location quotient (LQ) values indicating substantial concentration within Ludhiana compared to other districts in Punjab. Such concentration signifies the presence of robust industrial clusters, essential for understanding the region’s economic landscape. Spatial analysis demonstrates clear division between textile manufacturing (hosiery and knitwear) in the northeast wards and metal-based manufacturing (metal fasteners and bicycles) in the southeast wards of Ludhiana, highlighting spatial specialisation and efficient resource utilisation. The spatial distribution shows that textile activities are primarily concentrated along Budha Nala, while metal fastener and cycle parts manufacturers are situated near railway yards and key transport hubs.

The strength of backward linkages within Ludhiana’s manufacturing clusters indicates robust interdependencies between primary manufacturing activities and ancillary support services, aligning with theoretical expectations and emphasising the importance of supply chain dynamics in cluster formation. Forward linkages, on the other hand, are primarily facilitated by major highways leading to Amritsar, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Firozpur. The Railway Goods Yard and Transport Nagar serve as key transport hubs where goods are transferred from smaller vehicles to larger trucks and trains, enabling efficient distribution to broader markets.

The presence of industrial associations and shared infrastructure facilities reflects a supportive ecosystem fostering collaboration, innovation, and collective problem-solving among industry players. Varying degrees of institutional support and infrastructure availability across different manufacturing clusters cater to the specific needs and dynamics of each sector. The hosiery and knitwear cluster in Ludhiana benefits from the most extensive support with five industry associations, ample training institutions, and specialised infrastructure like CETPs for environmental sustainability. The bicycle and metal fastener clusters have moderate support, each with two industry associations and access to key infrastructure, but lack dedicated export promotion councils and CETPs.

This study offers crucial insights for urban planning in Ludhiana by identifying the spatial concentration and specialisation of manufacturing activities, which can inform zoning regulations, infrastructure development, and resource allocation to support the growth and sustainability of micro and small-scale enterprises. By highlighting the strengths and gaps in institutional support and infrastructure across different manufacturing clusters, the study provides a basis for targeted interventions to enhance industrial efficiency, foster collaboration, and improve overall economic resilience in the region.

Acknowledgements

Authors here acknowledge GNDU for providing facility and opportunity.

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