Textile hub Bhiwandi under strain as war impact triggers industry collapse fears

The ongoing West Asia conflict has delivered a severe blow to Maharashtra’s textile hub, pushing Bhiwandi’s powerloom industry into one of its deepest crises in years, with rising costs, labour shortages and shutdowns spreading across the sector.

Bhiwandi, which accounts for nearly 35% of India’s powerlooms, is witnessing widespread disruption as business owners struggle to sustain operations amid surging raw material prices and dwindling workforce availability.

The spike in yarn prices, linked to fluctuations in crude oil, has sharply raised production costs, while stagnant wages have made it difficult for workers to continue in the industry.

Siraj and Aijaz Ansari, owners of A S Enterprises, said their operations have been severely hit by labour migration.

“We run a powerloom on small scale. We had around 70 workers out of which 50% have left for their hometown. With increase in cost of yarns and labour charges remaining the same it’s difficult for us to manage our business,” they said.

LOOM SHUTDOWNS ACROSS BHIWANDI

Several units have already shut down due to labour scarcity and rising expenses.

Gauhar Islam, a loom owner, said he was forced to close his unit after workers left in large numbers.

“There were six workers in my loom. Five of who have left for their villages as they were not able to manage expenses here. Hence I have shut shop. I have no income from this business but an expense of 35,000 to keep this workshop. Situation remains unpredictable,” he said.

SUPPLY CHAIN PRESSURE MOUNTS

The crisis has also hit allied segments such as beam work, a crucial part of the weaving process involving specialised labour.

Sadiq Khan, a contractor for beam workers, said the downturn is spreading quickly.

“There is a decrease in demand for beams. There were 30 people working under me out of which 15 people have left for villages. Few more are leaving soon. Work has also reduced. If this situation continues we will also leave,” he said.

WIDER IMPACT ACROSS TEXTILE CLUSTERS

Industry voices from other textile hubs also point to a broader slowdown.

A former member of Maharashtra’s textile committee said units in Surat are operating only half a day, while export orders are being cancelled due to rising input costs linked to MMF yarns and crude oil volatility.

Several loom owners warned the situation is becoming unsustainable.

“We can sustain a month more in this situation after that we will have to stop work,” said one owner.

“This is the last straw. Textile industry in Bhiwandi is on the verge of shutting down,” another added.

LABOUR STRUGGLE DEEPENS

Workers say daily survival has become difficult as both income and basic supplies are under strain.

Jitendra Kumar, a loom worker, said even basic meals and fuel access have become uncertain.

“Tiffin service has stopped since today. I have not eaten since morning. My brother is in the line since 8 hours to get 5kg LPG cylinder but didn’t get one. Can’t go to village as there is no work there,” he said.

POLITICAL CALL FOR RELIEF PACKAGE

Raising concern over the crisis, Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh from Bhiwandi East has urged the state government to announce a special relief package for the textile sector.

He said the industry is already burdened by high electricity costs and mounting losses.

“Government needs to be sensitive to demands of weavers. Their association has already reported a loss Rs 4,000 crore in just one month. This loss will lead to unemployment if there is no intervention,” he said.

With shutdowns rising and migration accelerating, stakeholders warn that without immediate intervention, Bhiwandi’s textile backbone could face long-term damage.

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