Bhubaneswar: Economic momentum in eastern India is undergoing a notable shift, with Assam and Odisha emerging as faster-growing states on key economic indicators, outpacing West Bengal in per capita income growth and industrial expansion.
According to projections for 2024–25, Odisha’s per capita income is estimated at ₹96,224, while Assam’s stands at ₹85,988—both exceeding West Bengal’s projected ₹82,781. This represents a significant turnaround from 2011–12, when West Bengal held a clear lead over its eastern neighbours on income levels.
Although West Bengal continues to be the largest economy in the region in absolute terms, its growth trajectory has broadly mirrored the national average. In contrast, Assam has recorded multiple years of double-digit economic growth, while Odisha has posted strong rebounds in the post-pandemic period, supported by investments in infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, and allied sectors.
Industrial performance data further underlines the divergence. Odisha’s factory output expanded by nearly 298 percent between FY2015 and FY2024, reflecting rapid growth in industrial capacity and value addition. Assam, meanwhile, saw a 63 percent increase in the number of factories over the same period, indicating broad-based industrial expansion that exceeds national averages.
West Bengal continues to maintain a higher overall value of factory output due to its larger industrial base, but analysts note that growth in industrial depth and new capacity creation has been relatively slower compared to Assam and Odisha.
Economists say the trend points to a gradual rebalancing of economic growth within eastern India, driven by policy reforms, sectoral diversification, and post-pandemic recovery strategies. If sustained, the shift could reshape regional development patterns and investment flows in the coming years.
-OdishaAge
