Patna: Bihar’s long-standing reputation as an industrially backward state is being partially challenged by new data showing a steady rise in the number of registered factories, though the pace of growth remains modest and the state continues to trail much of the country.
According to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2023–24, Bihar has seen its factory count double over the past 19 years. In 2004–05, the state had 1,674 registered factories. That number rose to 2,805 by 2010–11 and reached 3,422 in 2018–19, before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted industrial activity.
The impact of the pandemic was reflected in a dip to 3,307 factories in 2022–23. In 2023–24, however, the number edged up again, rising by about 2.4% to 3,386 factories. While the increase points to a gradual recovery, officials and analysts note that the overall growth remains slower than expected.
At the national level, India recorded a total of 260,061 registered factories in 2023–24, placing Bihar’s contribution in perspective. Despite recent gains, the state ranks 15th in the country in terms of factory numbers, highlighting the distance it still has to cover in strengthening its industrial base.
Bihar has, however, overtaken some neighbouring states. It now has more registered factories than Jharkhand, which reported 2,889 units, and Odisha, with 3,281. Yet the gap with larger industrial economies remains wide. Uttar Pradesh leads with 22,141 factories, while West Bengal has 10,107 active units.
The comparison underscores a mixed picture for Bihar. While the doubling of factories over two decades signals incremental progress, the data also suggest that industrial expansion is still at an early stage, particularly when measured against states that have successfully attracted large-scale manufacturing and investment.
Economists say sustained policy support, improved infrastructure and greater private investment will be crucial if Bihar is to translate steady growth into a more competitive industrial presence on India’s economic map.
