Industries

* **Heavy Manufacturing:** Anchored by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), one of India's largest engineering and manufacturing enterprises. * **Education and Research:** A major economic driver, with tens of thousands of students flocking to national institutes (AIIMS, MANIT, IISER) and private universities. * **Information Technology:** Growing IT corridors (like the Mandideep and city-based IT parks) hosting multinational tech firms and local startups. * **Textiles and Handicrafts:** Traditional cottage industries flourish in the Old City, particularly the intricate *Zardozi* (gold thread) embroidery and beadwork. * **Tourism and Hospitality:** Driven by the lakes, heritage monuments, and proximity to UNESCO sites, supporting numerous hotels, resorts, and tour operators. * **Healthcare:** Fast becoming a medical hub for central India, spearheaded by AIIMS Bhopal and numerous large private hospital chains.