Do you remember Hazari Pal from “City of Joy”? This poor villager goes to city to earn money and change his luck, but loses everything. The name of that city is Kolkata. Set up by East India Company, on the banks of the Hogghly River, the city became a major economical, political and cultural center of India during the 19th and 20th century. Now, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal.
Kolkata is the fourth largest city of India. Although observed a rapid economical growth during the colonial period, due to political instability and heavy influence of communism, the city's economical importance deteriorated after India’s independence. Trade union was a serious problem in factories. As a result, the industrial output dropped in the 90’s creating an economic disaster.
Fortunately, there were political leaders who understood the problem and tried to develop the condition. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, former Chief Minister, reformed the economic policy and attracted foreign direct investment. Since then, the city has observed a significant economic growth. Today, West Bengal is the third largest economy in India.
Now days, Kolkata and West Bengal have a thriving manufacturing industry which includes various agricultural, heavy and light engineering and electronic products.
Due to economic reformulation, IT industry also thrived in this city. In the past, power cut was a major problem. Now, the city enjoys constant power supply. Many domestic and foreign IT firms have their operating centers in Kolkata. The government of Kolkata has set a goal to make Kolkata one of top three IT hubs of the country by 2010.
Industrialization and urbanization have taken their tolls upon the city’s environment. For economic and other purpose the city has been extended. In addition, from various parts of the state, people come to the city for job and live in slums. These slums have also deteriorated the environmental condition.
Kolkata is well connected by land, air, and water. The Holdia Dock operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, has passenger and cargo ship services. Airport is situated at DamDam. Kolkata has two major railway stations: Howrah and Sealdah. A third station started operating from this year.
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