Bhiwandi is a city, in the district of Thane, in the western state of Maharashtra, in India, located 20 km to the north-east of Mumbai and 15 km to the north-east of Thane city. The exact location of Bhiwandi is 19.296664°N 73.063121°E / 19.296664; 73.063121.Bhiwandi city, the headquarters of the taluka of Bhiwandi, comes under the administration of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation. The city is considered a part of the Greater Mumbai metropolitan agglomeration, along with Navi Mumbai and the cities of Kalyan, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Dombivli, Mira-Bhayandar and the Vasai-Virar region. According to the 2011 census, the total population of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation area was 1,125,897.The city of Bhiwandi, known for its textile industry, has the largest number of Power looms in the country and is sometimes dubbed as 'The Manchester of India'. A major portion of the population is employed by the Power loom sector. The Mumbai-Agra highway, passing through Bhiwandi ensures the smooth connectivity of the city with Mumbai, Thane, Nashik and the rest of India. Bhiwandi has been developing as an Industrial hub for the textile industry in the past, and all industries and logistics sector in recent times. Bhiwandi is the next development region for MMRDA, which has developed other regions such as Bandra - Kurla Complex, Mumbai Metro & Monorail Project, Eastern freeway and many more. Close proximity to Mumbai, Thane and Development of region by MMRDA, make Bhiwandi an ideal place for businesses to setup shop. Also availability of 24hrs power supply, and availability of workers due to close proximity to Industrial city of Bhiwandi, facilitates setting up of industrial unit. Availability of Transporters having country wide presence in close proximity makes it an ideal location for warehousing.