10 Fastest Growing Cities in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi, is experiencing rapid development in today's time. The hilly areas here are promoting tourism, and industrialization, better infrastructure, and education are being promoted in the plains here. Today, in this article, we will learn about 9 such cities in Uttarakhand that are growing rapidly and making an important contribution to the state's economy.

1. Rudrapur – The Industrial Powerhouse

Rudrapur is one of the fastest-growing cities in Uttarakhand, which is rapidly developing due to its strategic location in the Terai region and support of major industries through SIDCUL (Uttarakhand State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation Limited).

Rudrapur is a stronghold of major companies like Nestle, Bajaj Auto, HP, Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland in the automobile, food processing, FMCG, and agro-based sectors. Rudrapur's good rail connectivity, wide highways, and developed logistics and warehousing facilities make it a better city. This is the reason why Rudrapur is more developed than other cities of Uttarakhand.

2. Dehradun – Administrative, Educational, and Technological Growth Hub

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand, due to which more urban expansion is being seen here. Between 2011 and 2018, the area of ​​​​Dehradun increased almost three times (from 64.6 sq km to about 196.5 sq km). The population here also increased by 141%, which reflects migration and expansion here.

Dehradun is known for its higher education system, where elite institutions like Doon School, Indian Military Academy, STPI, and many defense research organizations are present. Apart from this, the demand for real estate in the city is very high. The IT sectors are also gradually developing here, due to which it has become a smart city.

3. Haldwani – Gateway to Kumaon’s

Haldwani is the second most populous city in Uttarakhand, and the largest city in Kumaon, which has grown into a thriving business hub. Following municipal expansion, its population has grown from around 171,000 in 2011 to over 370,000 by 2022.

Improvements in infrastructure, roads, schools, hospitals, and real estate have led to growth, which has also benefited Nainital. Haldwani locals compare it to Dehradun, citing its calmer atmosphere, lower cost of living, and opportunities for growing economic prospects. Haldwani is also well connected by rail, with trains to major cities.

4. Kashipur – Steady Demographic Expansion

Kashipur, which is a city in Udham Singh Nagar, has also seen a population increase of 30.8% from 2001 to 2011. This is an indication of long-term urbanization. Apart from this, rail facilities are also available in Kashipur, and direct trains are available from here to cities like Dehradun, Delhi. There is a lot of industrialization around the city, where many types of factories and companies are present.

5. Haridwar - A blend of industrial and spiritual urbanisation

Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in India, known for its ancient spirituality. SIDCUL has led to the expansion of Haridwar's infrastructure and economic base, with companies like Hindustan Unilever and Patanjali working here. Haridwar is also well-connected by other rail routes. Every year, lakhs of tourists from different countries visit here, due to which the city is developing further.

6. Rishikesh - Adventure Tourism & Wellness Growth

Rishikesh is known as the city of yoga in India and all over the world. This city is synonymous with yoga and pilgrimage. People from different parts of the world come to the city to learn yoga; this city is mainly dependent on tourism. There are many adventure activities here, which include river rafting, bungee jumping, and Flying Fox, etc.

7. Roorkee – Education and Engineering Catalyst

Roorkee is a city in Haridwar district in the state of Uttarakhand, India, known for its education and engineering hub. It is spread over a flat terrain in the foothills of the Shivalik Hills. The city's main feature is the Ganges Canal, which is situated on its banks. The city is also known for Asia's first engineering college, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. Apart from this, the Central Water and Power Research Center (CWR) is also present here. The growing IT sector and academic presence here are accelerating the modernization of the city.

8. Almora – Cultural Heritage Meets Eco-tourism

Almora is a municipal city in the state of Uttarakhand, India, and also serves as a cantonment. Koshi (Kaushiki) and Suyal (Salmale) rivers flow through Almora. Almora is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The snow-covered Himalayas can be clearly seen from the city.

Apart from this, there are many famous temples in Almora, which include Kasar Devi, Nanda Devi, Doli Dana, Shyaayi Devi, Khakmara, Ashta Bhairav, Jakhandevi, Katarmal (Sun Temple), Patal Devi, Raghunath Temple, Badreshwar, Banari Devi, Chitai, Jageshwar, Binsar Mahadev, Garhnath, and Baijnath etc. The main source of Almora's economy is tourism, handicrafts, and its location, due to which the city is growing very fast.

9. Pithoragarh – A "Mini-Kashmir" Emerges

Pithoragarh is a beautiful city in the state of Uttarakhand, also known as Mini Kashmir. Pithoragarh is naturally home to high Himalayan snow-capped peaks, passes, valleys, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers, which add to its beauty.

The economy of the city is dependent on local agriculture and crafts, eco tourism; however, the Sela Urthing Hydroelectric Project is also being run in the city, the main purpose of which is to generate electricity using the water of the Dhauliganga River, which will give a significant boost to electricity in the local area.

10. Nanital - The Lake District of India

Nainital is known for its tourism, which is also a major hill station of India. It is also known as the "Lake District of India". Tourists from all over the world come here to visit. Nainital is also famous for its excellent boarding schools and tourist places, which include Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Nainital Zoo, Naina Devi Temple etc. Most of the population here is dependent on tourism.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand is growing rapidly today, and each of its cities is creating a unique story: be it education, health, industry, or culture. From the electrifying industrial development of Rudrapur to the sprawling urban sprawl of Dehradun, from the regional commercial hub of Haldwani to the quiet emergence of Pithoragarh, the development of the state presents a unique example.