Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Bata India's Resurgence and Batanagar's Decline Post-Liberalization
Bata India, a shoe company, had a tough time in the 1990s when India opened up its economy.
The company had a factory in Batanagar, Kolkata, but it struggled with worker problems and competition.
Bata India decided to move its headquarters to Gurgaon and start making shoes in China.
They also sold some of their old buildings in Batanagar.
Meanwhile, a company called Hiland Group promised to build a nice new town in Batanagar, but they didn't keep their promises, and the old buildings were torn down.
Bata India, however, did well by focusing on younger customers and opening more stores.
They are now doing better than ever.
Bata India struggled post-liberalization but rebounded by modernizing and relocating headquarters to Gurgaon in 2004.
Batanagar faced labor unrest and decreased productivity, leading to outsourcing and job losses.
Bata India monetized real estate holdings, including selling Batanagar's land for redevelopment.
Hiland Group's redevelopment plans for Batanagar failed, resulting in demolition without preserving heritage.
Bata India's revenue grew by 3% in Q3FY26, with plans to expand to 3,000 stores in 3-5 years.
- Who
- Bata India, Hiland Group, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority
- What
- Bata India's resurgence and Batanagar's decline post-liberalization
- When
- 1990s to present
- Where
- Batanagar, Kolkata, India
- Why
- Bata India adapted to market changes, while Batanagar faced neglect and failed redevelopment
Bata India's Modernization
Batanagar's Neglect
Company Strategy
Bata India's Modernization
Bata India embraced modernization, relocated headquarters, and restructured operations to become profitable.
Batanagar's Neglect
Batanagar faced neglect, with its heritage architecture demolished for an unfinished redevelopment project.
Labor Relations
Bata India's Modernization
Bata India managed unionism and streamlined production to improve efficiency.
Batanagar's Neglect
Batanagar's labor unrest and decreased productivity led to outsourcing and job losses.
Real Estate Strategy
Bata India's Modernization
Bata India monetized real estate holdings to recoup losses and fund growth.
Batanagar's Neglect
Batanagar's redevelopment plans failed, leading to demolition without preserving heritage.
- Company
- Bata India
- Location
- Batanagar, Kolkata
- Year of Liberalization
- 1991
- Year of Headquarters Relocation
- 2004
- Current CEO
- Gunjan Shah
- Revenue Growth (Q3FY26)
- 3%
- Profit Before Taxes Growth (Q3FY26)
- 15%
- Target Outlets
- 3,000 stores in 3-5 years