Growth and Regional Pattern of Industrial Complexes: A Case Study of Bihar

Industrial geography, which deals with the locational aspects of industrial units, is of particular significance to the Indian situation where limited means, the scarcity of raw materials and the high cost of industrial transport all demand the optimisation of industrial cost-efficiency. Within this framework industrial linkages and the development of industrial complexes must be studied closely for a clue to the formulation of locational policies. This is the primary aim of the present study, which focuses on the State of Bihar. Beginning with and introduction to the field and geographical area of study, it goes on to delimit the industrial complexes of the state on the basis of employed workers and clustered units, their regional pattern, zones of influence, growth, development and magnitude; and to examine their internal structural and functional linkages. Their social relevance, problems and planning are then examined and the findings summarized. These conclusions should interest planners as well as other researchers in industrial geography.