Located in the Western state of Gujarat in India, Vadodara, formerly known as Baroda, is a quaint yet vibrant city brimming with history and culture. In recent times, the city has emerged to become a rapidly developing industrial and engineering hub, with the Spanish Prime Minister recently inaugurating an aircraft plant in the city, but is there more to it than meets the eye? As an International Researcher at AIRINC, I went in search of answers.
My introduction to the city and its housing market
Conducting our onsite housing survey in Vadodara in November 2024, the days were warm enough to wear a light linen shirt, and the nights were cool enough to slide on a pullover. The city is home to the sprawling Lakshmi Vilas Palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao III of the Gaekwad Dynasty, which I will delve into soon.
A typical day in our survey involves engaging with housing sources, gathering essential information about the rental market for expatriates in a city such as Vadodara. This includes contacting and/or meeting relocation specialists and real estate agents onsite regarding suitable accommodation, availability, and factors driving the rental market.
The rental market for expatriates has seen some modest growth, driven by a slight increase in inbound expat arrivals. While the pharmaceutical and chemicals industries are the main employers, there have been more recent investments in industrial projects, notably in the aerospace and railway sectors, with expats incoming for both short and long-term assignments.
Conversation with an expat in Vadodara
At the end of my second day, I had the lovely chance to chat over coffee with a Swiss expat engineer on a short-term assignment in Vadodara. He mentioned how his day starts at 5:30AM with breakfast, followed by a 50-kilometer drive to the industrial area to conduct his usual quality control procedures at his company’s factory, and coming back at 7:30PM.
While his daily routine seemed demanding, he expressed his love for the city’s historical significance and recommended that I check out the Lakshmi Vilas Palace before I head to my next location. Hearing that made me appreciate the adaptability and resilience of expats as they immerse themselves in new environments and cultures. Inspired, I planned to view the royal residence over the weekend.
A Familiar Feeling…
Entering the palace, I could understand why this city is considered the cultural capital of Gujarat, or “Sanskrutik Nagari” in Sanskrit. The palace was housed with several collections of artworks from both India and abroad. Listening to the audio guide, I explored the monument and further learnt of Sayajirao III’s multiple international tours to different parts of the world - including Africa, Eastern Asia, Europe, and North America - to understand the socioeconomic landscapes and livelihoods of diverse cultures.
This sparked a sense of déjà vu, as it mirrored our Research team’s work to survey around the world for similar reasons. It made me realize the power of travel as a tool of knowledge and understanding. While the palace itself serves as a rich repository of wealth, art, and history from all parts of the world, it reminded me of the importance of exploration in our pursuit of knowledge. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is imperative to empower individuals and groups to navigate the challenges of a global landscape.
As I departed Vadodara with a greater sense of purpose, I moved onto my next location in New Delhi, eager to gather insights and perspectives vital for international expatriate assignments.
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