Ludhiana is the most populous city in the Indian state of Punjab. As of the 2011 census, it had an estimated population of 1,618,879 distributed over an area of 310 km2 (120 sq mi), making it the most densely populated urban center in the state.
The city serves as a major industrial hub for Northern India and is frequently referred to as "India's Manchester" by the BBC. Additionally, Ludhiana is recognized as the commercial capital of Punjab.