Bhopal's economy is a blend of heavy industry, public administration, and a rapidly growing retail and IT sector.
* **Major Employers:** State and central government offices employ a significant portion of the workforce. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) operates a massive manufacturing unit and maintains a large township in the city. * **Business Districts:** Maharana Pratap (MP) Nagar is the primary commercial and corporate hub, housing banks, IT firms, and coaching institutes. New Market is the traditional commercial heart of the city. * **Industrial Areas:** Govindpura Industrial Area supports ancillary units for BHEL. Mandideep, located just outside the city limits, is a major industrial township housing international and national manufacturing companies. * **Shopping Centers:** DB City Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in central India, alongside Aashima Mall and Aura Mall.