The story
Footwear makers moved from Delhi to Bahadurgarh's industrial areas on the Delhi border when Delhi pushed polluting and large units out of residential zones. A dedicated Footwear Park grew here, with makers of shoes, sandals and slippers alongside suppliers of soles, laces and boxes. Big brands such as Relaxo and Action have units in the park. The cluster sells mostly to the domestic mass market.
In numbers
According to local industrialists, about 2,500 units are linked to the industry directly and indirectly, Bahadurgarh produces about one crore pairs of footwear daily, contributing to 60% of the country's non-leather footwear output.
The Tribune — Bahadurgarh footwear industry feels GST pinch · 2025The GST on footwear priced at ₹1,000 or below was raised from 5 to 12 per cent in January 2022, after which around a 25 per cent dip in sales was witnessed, according to the association.
The Tribune — The shoe pinches: Bahadurgarh industrialists seek 5% GST on footwear
Ways in for a newcomer
- Supplying soles, insoles, laces or boxes to shoe makers
- Contract manufacturing for D2C footwear brands
- Moulds and dies for PVC and EVA footwear
- Wholesale distribution to retailers in other states
Problems the cluster faces
- GST changes on low-price footwear
- Labour shortages
- Short winters hurt seasonal demand
- Competition from cheap imports
Businesses to start here
Full PVC Footwear (Injection-Moulded Chappals, Sandals and Shoes) →Sports Footwear Unit →Slipper (Hawai Chappal) Making →Trumock Shoes with TPR Sole →Canvas Shoes →Injection-Moulded Leather Shoes (PVC Sole) →Corrugated Box Unit →