Vapi

Vapi is a city and municipality in the Valsad district of the Indian state of Gujarat. Located on the banks of the Daman Ganga River, it is one of the largest industrial centers in Gujarat and a major hub for chemical and allied industries in western India.

The city grew around the Vapi Industrial Estate, established in the 1960s by the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). Today, the estate hosts thousands of units involved in chemical manufacturing, solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and related sectors. The concentration of industry has shaped the local economy and employment patterns, making Vapi a key industrial town in the region. A mix of small and medium enterprises exists alongside larger facilities.

In terms of transport, Vapi is served by a railway station on the Western Railway network and is connected by road to major cities via National Highway 48. The nearest major airports are in Surat and Mumbai, with air access typically routed through those cities. The city sits within Gujarat’s coastal plain and experiences a hot, monsoon-influenced climate.

Administration and governance are provided by a municipality within Valsad district. The local government handles urban planning, civic services, and infrastructure, with oversight from state agencies such as the Gujarat Pollution Control Board regarding industrial emissions and effluent management. Vapi’s industrial character has also drawn attention to environmental management and sustainable development in the region.

Notable features include proximity to the Daman region and the Daman Ganga River, which have historically influenced trade routes and regional connectivity.