With the recent addition of nine, we have 99 cities listed ‘Smart.’ The diversities in the economic conditions of these cities are pronounced.
For analysing the economic background of the selected cities, an important indicator is the availability of banking facilities. Based on the limited data available for some of the cities, here is a quick assessment.
1. Moradabad
Population: 889,810
Bank branches: 141
Credit to deposit ratio: 0.54
A major producer of brassware items, Moradabad is called Pital Nagri. It is the first city in India to foster a gramin bank. Prathama Bank, sponsored by Syndicate Bank, was set up here in 1975.
2. Bareilly
Population: 900,000
Bank branches: 175
Credit to deposit ratio: 0.42
Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, the biggest among the nine, is called Zari Nagri and is famous for zari work. Located on the banks of the Ramganga river. It is a major hub for furniture manufacturing. The place is a trading centre in cotton, grain and sugar.
3. Erode
Population: 65,045
Bank branches: 84
Credit to deposit ratio: 1.27
The Turmeric City, as Erode is called, has one of largest markets for coconut and coconut oil in south India. A leather processing major, it also is the home to a large paper and sugar mills. The Turmeric City, as Erode is called, has one of largest markets for coconut and coconut oil in south India. A leather processing major, it also is the home to a large paper and sugar mills.
4. Saharanpur
Population: 705,478
Bank branches: 100
Credit to deposit ratio: 0.41
Saharanpur is internationally famous for wooden handicraft work. It has the unique travel facility of the luxurious Scania buses costing Rs.1.23 crore each.
5. Biharsharif
Population: 297,268
Bank branches: 39
Credit to deposit ratio: 0.24
This district headquarters of Nalanda is a hub of education and trade in south Bihar. The economy centres around agriculture and also tourism and household manufacture.
