The story
Okhla Industrial Area, developed in phases from the 1960s, became Delhi's main base for export garment houses. Its exporters are known for fashion wear with embroidery and hand work for European and US brands. Many have moved production to Noida, Gurugram and other states but keep design, sampling and offices in Okhla. The area also has printing, packaging and light-engineering units.
In numbers
Okhla is one of ten clusters — with Kolkata, Mumbai, Tirupur, Ludhiana, Indore, Bellary, Jaipur, Bangalore and Chennai — where 80 per cent of the national production of garments is concentrated.
ICRIER — What explains India's poor performance in garments exports: evidence from five clusters?
Ways in for a newcomer
- Hand-embroidery and sequin job work for exporters
- Sampling and pattern-making services
- Testing and compliance consulting
- Packaging and trims supply
Problems the cluster faces
- High rents and limited space in Delhi
- Labour shortages
- Price competition from Bangladesh and Vietnam
- Strict buyer compliance audits
Businesses to start here
Zari and Silk Embroidery →Computerised Embroidery (Job Work) →Readymade Garments Unit (Baby Rompers) →Textile Screen Printing Unit (Sarees and Fabrics) →Woven Labels Manufacturing →