Kherdi

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Kherdi
Census town
Kherdi Location in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates: 17°31′12″N 73°32′53″E / 17.52°N 73.548°E / 17.52; 73.548
Country	India
State	Maharashtra
District	Ratnagiri
Population (2001)
• Total	10,703
Languages
• Official	Marathi
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)

Kherdi is a census town in the Ratnagiri district of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is part of the Konkan region and is notable for the presence of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) industrial area, which houses various manufacturing and service industries. The town combines residential, commercial, and industrial zones.^[1]

Geography

Kherdi is located in the coastal Konkan region of Maharashtra. The town experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon months (June–September), warm summers, and mild winters. Its terrain is mostly flat, supporting both residential development and industrial estates.

Demographics

As a census town, Kherdi has a population that primarily consists of people employed in industrial, service, and small-scale commercial activities. Marathi is the predominant language spoken. The town also attracts workers from surrounding villages and nearby towns due to the industrial area. As of 2001^[update] India census,^[2] Kherdi had a population of 10,703. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kherdi has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 70%. In Kherdi, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy

The MIDC industrial estate is the main driver of Kherdi’s economy. It hosts small and medium enterprises in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and services. Local businesses, retail shops, and markets support the town’s workforce. Agriculture plays a minor role in the economy, limited to surrounding rural areas.

Transport

Kherdi is connected to Ratnagiri city and neighboring towns via state highways and local roads. The nearest railway station is Ratnagiri Railway Station, which is part of the Konkan Railway network. Public transport includes buses, shared taxis, and autorickshaws serving daily commuters and industrial workers.

Education and Public Services

The town has primary and secondary schools catering to local residents. Industrial growth has also encouraged vocational training centers and small colleges nearby. Health services include local clinics, dispensaries, and proximity to hospitals in Ratnagiri city.

Culture

Kherdi observes regional festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi, and local fairs. Industrialization has brought a mix of cultural influences, with both traditional Maharashtrian and migrant communities participating in festivals and social events.