Guide
About Kolkata
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and the commercial centre of eastern India. At the 2011 census Kolkata district, which is governed entirely by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, had 4,496,694 residents, while the wider metropolitan area counted 14,112,536.
Trade has defined the city for more than two centuries. Burrabazar, in the north of the central business area, is one of India's largest wholesale markets and supplies much of the east of the country. More recently, the Salt Lake Sector V area to the east has become a major base for IT and business services companies.
Economy and main industries
Wholesale and distribution trade is the backbone of Kolkata's economy. Burrabazar began as a yarn and textile market and expanded into one of the largest wholesale markets in India, with sub-markets for textiles, spices, electrical goods, cosmetics and household goods. Neighbouring Posta handles edible oil, salt, cereals, spices, sugar and other food staples.
Information technology and business services form the city's second major sector. The Salt Lake Electronics Complex in Sector V of Bidhannagar was founded by Webel, the state electronics corporation, in 1989 and later promoted as an IT and BPO hub. By April 2019 about 1,500 companies had office space in Sector V. Salt Lake also hosts Manikanchan, a gems and jewellery special economic zone promoted by the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation.
Main business areas and markets
Burrabazar, with roughly 25 katras or sub-markets, is the first stop for bulk buyers of cloth, spices, dry goods, cosmetics and electrical items. Each katra tends to specialise, so traders often visit several in a day. The area is crowded and has a history of fires, which is worth bearing in mind when choosing storage or warehousing.
Posta, next to Burrabazar, is the main area for food grains, pulses, edible oils, sugar and vanaspati. New Market, in the heart of the city near Esplanade and Lindsay Street, is a long-established shopping complex that also functions as a wholesale saree market.
Salt Lake Sector V, on the eastern edge of the city, is the main office district for IT and IT-enabled services. It is served by Line 2 of the Kolkata Metro, which has been operating since 14 February 2020.
Trade with eastern India
Kolkata's wholesalers supply retailers across West Bengal and neighbouring states. For buyers outside the city, this means many firms are set up for bulk orders, credit arrangements and onward transport by road and rail. Transport operators, commission agents and warehouse providers are concentrated around the Burrabazar and Posta markets.
Finding businesses in Kolkata
Common searches in Kolkata include textile and saree wholesalers, spice and grocery traders, electrical goods suppliers, IT and BPO companies, transport and logistics firms, and jewellery makers. Because Burrabazar's sub-markets are so specialised, it helps to search by product and area together. IndiaYP lists Kolkata businesses by category and locality.
Frequently asked questions
What is the STD code for Kolkata?
Kolkata landlines use the STD code 033. From abroad, dial +91 33 before the number.
Which is the largest wholesale market in Kolkata?
Burrabazar is the city's largest wholesale market, made up of around 25 sub-markets dealing in textiles, spices, electricals and household goods.
Where are IT companies located in Kolkata?
Most IT and BPO firms are in Salt Lake Sector V in Bidhannagar, where the Salt Lake Electronics Complex was set up in 1989.
Where can I buy food grains and edible oil in bulk in Kolkata?
Posta, next to Burrabazar, is the main wholesale area for grains, pulses, edible oil, salt and sugar.