The largest and most populated city in the Indian state of Punjab is Ludhiana (pronounced as such in Punjabi). Ludhiana is the state’s most densely populated urban center, with an estimated 1,618,879 residents spread over 310 km2 (120 sq mi) as of the 2011 census[6]. The BBC refers to it as “India’s Manchester” and it is a significant industrial hub in Northern India. It is sometimes referred to as Punjab’s commercial capital.

It is located on the former Sutlej River bank, which is currently 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) south of the river’s current route. Ludhiana is ranked 48th out of the top 100 smart cities by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the city has been The World Bank listed Ludhiana as one of the most business-friendly cities in India.